Putnam Valley, New York Facts for Kids

Putnam Valley is a town in Putnam County, New York, United States. It's located northeast of New York City. In 2020, about 11,762 people lived there. Putnam Valley is often called the "Town of Lakes" because it has so many beautiful lakes.

Exploring Putnam Valley's Past
- Early Settlers and Land Grants
- How Putnam Valley Got Its Name
The Geography of Putnam Valley
- Natural Beauty and Parks
Who Lives in Putnam Valley?
Learning and Schools in Putnam Valley
- Modern Learning at Putnam Valley High School
Getting Around Putnam Valley
Communities and Places to See
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Putnam Valley's Past

The land of Putnam Valley was shaped long ago by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. As these glaciers melted, they left behind many lakes and large rocks. The first people to live here were paleo-Indians, followed by the Wappinger Native American tribe. They enjoyed living near the many lakes.

Early Settlers and Land Grants

Around the late 1600s, Dutch and English farmers began to move into the area. In 1697, a large piece of land called the Highland Patent was given to Adolph Philipse. The first permanent settlers arrived around 1740.

One important family, the Bryants, bought land in 1745. They named their pond Bryant Pond and a nearby hill Bryant Hill. The oldest house in Putnam Valley belonged to the Smith family and is located near Bryant Pond Road.

How Putnam Valley Got Its Name

Putnam Valley officially became a town in 1839. It was first called Quincy, after it separated from the town of Philipstown. However, the name was changed to "Putnam Valley" in 1840. Some people think this change happened because locals weren't big fans of former President John Quincy Adams. In 1861, a small part of the town of Carmel was added to Putnam Valley.

The Geography of Putnam Valley

Putnam Valley covers about 43 square miles (110.8 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, but about 1.6 square miles (4.16 square kilometers) is water, which includes its many lakes.

Natural Beauty and Parks

A large part of Clarence Fahnestock State Park is located within Putnam Valley. This park offers many outdoor activities. Also, over 1,000 acres of land are protected by the Hudson Highlands Land Trust. This group works to keep the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley safe.

The southern border of Putnam Valley touches Westchester County. Major roads like the Taconic State Parkway and New York State Route 301 also pass through or near the town.

Who Lives in Putnam Valley?

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1840	1,659	—
1850	1,626	−2.0%
1860	1,587	−2.4%
1870	1,566	−1.3%
1880	1,555	−0.7%
1890	1,193	−23.3%
1900	1,034	−13.3%
1910	924	−10.6%
1920	704	−23.8%
1930	859	22.0%
1940	1,187	38.2%
1950	1,908	60.7%
1960	3,070	60.9%
1970	5,209	69.7%
1980	8,994	72.7%
1990	9,094	1.1%
2000	10,686	17.5%
2010	11,809	10.5%
2020	11,762	−0.4%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2020, the population of Putnam Valley was 11,762 people. The town has grown quite a bit over the years. For example, in 1950, there were only about 1,900 people living here.

Learning and Schools in Putnam Valley

The Putnam Valley Central School District serves students in the town. It has three main schools:

Putnam Valley Elementary School (for younger students)
Putnam Valley Middle School (starting in 5th grade)
Putnam Valley High School (starting in 9th grade)

The school district was created in 1934. The high school is the newest building, finished in 2000.

Modern Learning at Putnam Valley High School

Putnam Valley High School is known for using modern technology. It uses geothermal energy for heating and cooling, which is good for the environment. It also has computer labs, a performing arts center, and wireless internet in all classrooms.

Before the high school was built, students from Putnam Valley went to high schools in nearby towns like Lakeland High School or Peekskill High School.

A special program at Putnam Valley High School gives every student in grades 5 through 12 an Apple laptop or Chromebook. This helps students learn and complete schoolwork using technology.

Getting Around Putnam Valley

For those who need to travel by train, Metro-North's Hudson Line has a station in Peekskill. This station is about a 15-minute drive southwest from Putnam Valley.

Communities and Places to See

Putnam Valley has many small communities and interesting spots:

Adams Corners – A small community in the southeastern part of town.
Amen Hill – A very steep hill located inside the Putnam Valley Park.
Appalachian Trail – This famous hiking trail passes right through Putnam Valley.
Bullet Hole – A community near the eastern edge of the town.
California Hill State Forest – A state forest area.
Christian Corners – A community north of Oscawana Lake.
Clarence Fahnestock State Park – A large state park partly located in the northern part of town.
Crofts Corners – A community in the southern half of the town.
Dennytown – A community near the western town line, home to Dennytown Lake.
Floradan Estates – A private community south of the Town Park.
Gilbert Corners – A community west of Oscawana Lake.
Lake Peekskill – A community near the southern town line, with a small lake also called Lake Peekskill.
Oscawana Corners – A community south of Oscawana Lake.
Oscawana Lake – A large lake in the center of the town.
Putnam Valley Town Park – A park mainly in the southern part of town, great for outdoor activities.
Roaring Brook Lake – A community built around Roaring Brook Lake, east of the Taconic State Parkway.
Roaring Brook – A historic stream that flows through the town and into Roaring Brook Lake.
Sunnybrook – A community by the southwestern shore of Oscawanna Lake.
Three Arrows Cooperative Society – A cooperative community near Shrub Oak.
Tompkins Corners – A community in the eastern part of town. The old United Methodist Church here is a historic building.