History of Slate Hill

Slate Hill is a hamlet located in the town of Wawayanda, Orange County, New York, in the United States. The hamlet is named after the local slate quarries that once operated in the area.

Slate Hill was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe. In the late 17th century, European settlers began to move into the area. The first European settlers in the area were Quakers who came from England and settled in nearby Goshen. These settlers established a meeting house in the area, which became the center of the Quaker community in the region.

In the early 19th century, slate quarries began to be established in the area. The slate from the quarries was used for roofing, flooring, and other building materials. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century facilitated the transportation of slate from the quarries to other parts of the country.

The Slate Hill Industrial School, which later became the Wawayanda Industrial School, was established in the area in 1867. The school was founded by Quaker philanthropist Asa Packer and provided vocational training for boys.

In the early 20th century, the hamlet of Slate Hill grew rapidly, with the establishment of a post office, a school, and several businesses. The hamlet remained a center of the slate industry until the 1940s, when the industry began to decline.

Today, Slate Hill is a residential area with a mix of historic homes and newer developments. The area is known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The area is also home to several parks and recreational areas, including Wawayanda State Park and Highland Lakes State Park.