List of New York State Historic Markers in Orange County, New York Facts for Kids

New York State Historic Markers are special signs that tell us about important places, people, and events in history. In Orange County, New York, there are many of these markers. They help us learn about the past, from early settlements and famous battles to important inventions and interesting local stories.

Exploring Orange County's History Through Markers

Orange County is full of history, and these markers help us discover it. Let's explore some of the fascinating stories these markers share.

Early Life and Inventions

Some markers show us how people lived and what they created long ago.

The First Butter Factory

Imagine a time when butter was made by hand! In Campbell Hall, New York, there's a marker for the BUTTER FACTORY. This was the very first butter factory in the United States, built in 1856. It was owned by H.W. Woodhull, and George Gouge was the buttermaker. This factory changed how butter was made and sold.

The marker for the first butter factory in the U.S.

The Oldest Church

In Middletown, New York, the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH marker tells us about a church organized on June 10, 1785. For 40 years, it was the only church in the area. The building you see today was built in 1872.

The marker for the First Congregational Church in Middletown.

The First Mill

Before big factories, people used mills to grind grain. In Port Jervis, New York, near Beach Road, a marker points to the site of the FIRST MILL. This grist mill was built before 1713 by Stephen Tietsoort. It was an important place for early settlers to get their grain processed.

The marker for the first mill in Port Jervis.

First Settler

Around 1690, a man named William Tietsoort became the FIRST SETTLER in an area of Deerpark, New York. He set up a blacksmith shop at the request of local Native Americans. They even gave him land west of their village.

The marker for William Tietsoort, the first settler.

Huguenot Settlement

The area known as HUGUENOT in Deerpark, New York was named after the Huguenot families, Cuddeback and Gumaer. They settled there around 1698. The Native American name for this place was Seneyaugnquan.

The marker for the Huguenot settlement.

Huguenot School

The HUGUENOT SCHOOL marker in Deerpark, New York shows us a typical one-room schoolhouse built in 1863. It was made from bricks from the Neversink Valley and overlooked the D&H Canal.

The marker for the Huguenot School.

Kaatsbaan (Dutch for Tennis Court)

In Deerpark, New York, the KAATSBAAN marker tells us about an old Indian football field. It was located in a bend of the river and was also the home of William Tietsoort from 1690 to 1713.

The marker for Kaatsbaan, an old Indian football field.

Border Disputes and Revolutionary War Stories

Orange County was a busy place during colonial times and the Revolutionary War.

The New Jersey Line War

For many years, there was a disagreement over the border between New York and New Jersey. This was called the N. J. LINE WAR. Markers in Deerpark, New York explain how New Jersey claimed land that New Yorkers also believed was theirs. This caused a 50-year border conflict!

One of the markers about the New Jersey Line War.

The marker showing the New Jersey Claim Line.

Indian Raids and the Battle of Minisink

During the Revolutionary War, there were several attacks by Native American groups and Loyalists (people who supported the British). These events are often called the INDIAN RAIDs.

Simon Westfall's House: In Port Jervis, New York, a marker tells us that Simon Westfall's house and barn were burned by Brant's Mohawks and Tories on July 20, 1779.

The marker for the Indian Raid on Simon Westfall's house.

Neversink Drive (Horn Road): This old road, marked by the NEVERSINK DRIVE (HORN ROAD) sign, saw many events during Joseph Brant's raid on July 20, 1779.

The marker for Neversink Drive, a historic road.

Decker Fort: On Neversink Drive, the DECKER FORT marker shows where Major Decker's fortified house was burned by Brant's raiders on July 20, 1779. Militia gathered here while chasing Brant.

The marker for Decker Fort.

Painted Aprons: A unique story is told by the PAINTED APRONS marker on Neversink Drive. In 1779, Black Rock school was attacked. Girls were spared because their aprons had a special emblem that told the raiders not to harm them.

The marker for the "Painted Aprons" story.

Indian Village: The INDIAN VILLAGE marker on Neversink Drive points to a plateau where the Indian village of Oquekumsey once stood. It was abandoned in 1730 and later excavated by the New York State Museum.

The marker for the site of an Indian Village.

Fort Van Auken: The marker for SITE OF Fort Van Auken on Neversink Drive tells us about a fort that was unsuccessfully attacked by Brant's Mohawks and Tories on July 20, 1779.

The marker for Fort Van Auken.

Maghaghkamik Church: In Port Jervis, New York, the INDIAN RAID marker for Maghaghkamik Church notes that the church, built in 1743, was burned by Brant's raiders on July 20, 1779.

The marker for the Indian Raid on Maghaghkamik Church.

Cole's Fort: The COLE'S FORT marker in Port Jervis, New York describes a fort built in 1755 during the French and Indian War. It was the home of Wilhelmus Coe, who settled there around 1730.

The marker for Cole's Fort.

Brant's Route: The INDIAN RAID marker on Peenpack Trail in Deerpark, New York shows the route taken by Colonel Brant and his raiders when they attacked the valley in 1778 and 1779.

The marker showing Brant's raid route.

Sullivan Expedition Camp Site

A marker for a CAMP SITE on Neversink Drive in Deerpark, New York tells us that the Second New York Regiment camped here on May 7, 1779. They were on their way to build a road for Sullivan's March against Native American groups.

The marker for a Revolutionary War camp site.

Famous People and Local Landmarks

Orange County is also home to the birthplaces and homes of notable figures.

William H. Seward

In Florida, New York, a marker for WILLIAM H. SEWARD tells us that this important politician was born on this site between 1801 and 1872. He was a key figure in American history, serving as Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln.

The marker for William H. Seward's birthplace.

The Crane House

In Port Jervis, New York, the THE CRANE HOUSE marker points to the home of Judge William Crane. His famous brother, writer Stephen Crane, visited this house from 1891 to 1896 and created some of his best works here.

The marker for The Crane House.

Marion Rohner

A very special marker in Port Jervis, New York honors MARION ROHNER. Mrs. Rohner was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts for 43 years! In 2001, she earned a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving Den Mother in the world. What an amazing dedication!

The marker for Marion Rohner, a Guinness World Record holder.

Hawk's Nest

The HAWK'S NEST marker on Route 97 in Deerpark, New York describes a famous scenic road. It started as a one-lane dirt road in 1859, was paved between 1931 and 1933, and officially dedicated in 1939. It's now part of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.