TOWN HISTORY

In 1873, The Town of Highlands, including Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls and West Point, was founded by separation from the larger Town of Cornwall. However, small settlements had existed for many years before that, The Village of Highland Falls was incorporated in 1906 and will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2006.

Originally, this scenic portion of the Hudson Highlands was settled by the Indians of the Algonquin Tribe, sometimes known as the Delaware or the Leni Lanape. The first European settlers, the Dutch, named the area Buttermilk Falls, after the turbulent brook that fell into the Hudson River. The first grants were established as early as 1723.

The town's historic ties began with the American Revolution and pre-dated the town's official formation. Because the Hudson River was considered a major thoroughfare and an integral part of the defense of the American colonies, small redoubts and forts were built along the banks of the Hudson. Fortress West Point was one of these forts and its geographical location was considered pivotal to the war efforts. Iron ore, mined locally, was used to forge massive iron links to form a chain that was floated across the Hudson River to deter ship travel up the river.

After the revolution, Fortress West Point became the nation's first engineering school when the United States Military Academy was formed on March 16, 1802. As America's need for military expertise and engineering skills grew, the population of the Academy enlarged and the surrounding communities provided much needed support in materials and labor. In addition, the town became known for its beautiful scenery. Highland Falls was the summer home to financier J.P. Morgan, whose estate still graces the banks of the Hudson.

Other interesting spots and points of interest include the newly opened and reconstructed Fort Montgomery Battle site, Bear Mountain State Park, Constitution Island (home of the Warner family-Anna Warner wrote the hymn "Jesus Loves Me') and the Bear Mountain Bridge which is registered as a historic site.

In 1982, Americans held hostage in Iraq were welcomed back by the Village of Highland Falls when they stayed at the Hotel Thayer for their first night on American soil. The village was dubbed "Hometown USA". We trust you will find the same hometown hospitality when you visit us today.