Deck Builder in Cornwall, NY

When the explorer Henry Hudson visited the region in 1609 the land was occupied by the Waoraneck Indians. In 1685 a colony of twenty-five Scottish families settled around the mouth of the Moodna Creek, led by the soldier Major Patrick McGregor and his brother-in-law, David Toiseach, the laird of Monzievaird. In the ensuing 50 years, English and Scotch families came to the fertile tableland above the river meadows naming it “new Cornwall” because of the marked similarity to the County of Cornwall, England, It is believed that the hamlet of Canterbury was the site of this settlement. The first recorded Town meeting was held in April 1765. In 1788, Orange County was subdivided into numerous townships, thus producing the town of “New Cornwall.” The town’s name was subsequently changed from “New Cornwall” to “Cornwall” in 1797. The late 1800s were the heyday of Cornwall’s fame. It became a summer resort because of the natural beauty of the river, its mountain vistas, scenic trails, fresh country air and convenience to New York City via riverboat or railroad.

The area that was to become to town of Cornwall was part of Governor Dongan’s 1685 Tract. The Precinct of Cornwall was created in 1764. The Town was founded in 1788 as New Cornwall, which was changed in 1797 to Cornwall.

In the mid-19th century, Cornwall developed a reputation as a health retreat. Until the early 20th century, city folk flocked to the valley to experience the therapeutic powers they believed it to hold. The mountains, fresh air and evergreen forests were thought to offer the perfect conditions for good health and they were not far from the city. Cornwall, on the west side of the Hudson, became especially popular as a health retreat, offering numerous boarding houses and many conveniences of the day, including accessibility to the railroad and steamboats, as well as a telegraph office and large library.