Garrison, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Garrison
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
Garrison is a small community called a hamlet in Putnam County, New York. It is part of the town of Philipstown. Garrison is located on the east side of the Hudson River, right across from the United States Military Academy at West Point. The Garrison Metro-North Railroad train station serves the area.
Garrison, also known as Garrison's Landing, was named after Isaac Garrison. He was a 2nd Lieutenant who owned land on the Hudson River. He also ran a ferry service across the river between Garrison and West Point. Isaac and his son, Beverly Garrison, fought in the Battle of Fort Montgomery in 1777. They were captured by the British but later set free.
A sad event, the Garrison train wreck, happened near Garrison on October 24, 1897. This accident killed 20 people.
Garrison has also been a filming location for movies and TV shows. For example, the 1969 movie Hello, Dolly!, starring Barbra Streisand, filmed its Yonkers scenes here. Also, the Saint Basil Academy was the finish line for The Amazing Race 10 in 2006.
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Organizations and Places to Visit
Garrison is home to many interesting non-profit and cultural groups.
Manitoga and Dragon Rock
Manitoga is a large woodland estate with gardens created by the famous designer Russel Wright. His unique modern style house, called Dragon Rock, is also located here. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can take tours and explore hiking trails at Manitoga.
Boscobel and Shakespeare
Boscobel is a beautiful Federal-style mansion. It was built between 1804 and 1808. Originally, it was in Montrose, New York. However, it was moved to Garrison and carefully restored in the mid-20th century. The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival performs here. This festival started in 1987.
Constitution Marsh
Constitution Marsh is a special bird sanctuary run by Audubon. It has walking trails where you can explore nature. You can also take canoe tours on the Hudson River from here.
Local Conservation Efforts
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust works to protect and preserve local natural areas. They help with conservation efforts in the region.
Learning and Retreat Centers
The Garrison Institute is a center for learning and retreats. Outward Bound USA, a well-known outdoor adventure and education group, also has its main office in Garrison.
Arts and Theater
The Garrison Art Center helps local and regional artists show their work. The Philipstown Depot Theater is located at Garrison's Landing. This building used to be a train station. It was even used as the Yonkers Train Station in the movie Hello, Dolly!.
Religious Sites
Graymoor is a Catholic monastery in Garrison. It is the main center for the Society of the Atonement.
Local News
Garrison has two weekly newspapers. The Highlands Current started in 2010 and comes out on Fridays. The Putnam County News & Recorder has been around since 1868 and is published on Wednesdays.
Schools in Garrison
Garrison is home to the Garrison Union Free School, often called GUFS. This school teaches students from kindergarten through 8th grade. After graduating from GUFS, students can choose to attend high school at Haldane High School in Cold Spring. They can also go to James O'Neill High School in Highland Falls, which is across the river.
Haldane High School in Cold Spring received a Blue Ribbon school award in 2016. This award recognizes schools for their overall academic excellence.
The Manitou Learning Center is a private school in Garrison. It focuses on teaching in two languages and learning through hands-on activities and play.
Famous People from Garrison
Many notable people have lived in Garrison:
- Roger Ailes, a former CEO of Fox News.
- Thomas Harlan Ellett, an architect.
- Hamilton Fish, who served as a US Secretary of State.
- Sergeant Hamilton Fish II, a member of Theodore Roosevelt's "Rough Riders." He is buried in Garrison.
- Hamilton Fish III, a former US Congressman.
- Isaac Garrison, a 2nd Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War and the founder of Garrison's Landing.
- James Gleick, a well-known writer.
- Jim Hall, a jazz musician and composer.
- Chris Hughes, one of the co-founders of Facebook.
- Don McLean, a famous singer-songwriter and guitarist.
- Juan Montoya, an architect and interior designer.
- George Pataki, a former Governor of New York State.
- John Pielmeier, a playwright and screenwriter.
- Edwards Pierrepont, a prominent attorney and jurist.
- Andrew C. Revkin, an environmental writer for The New York Times.
- Duncan Sheik, a songwriter and Broadway composer.
- Julie Taymor, a theater, film, and opera director.
- Rhinelander Waldo, a former New York City police commissioner.
- Matt Williams, a television producer.
