SITUATION Cornwall is a picturesque spot, situated upon a high bluff several hundred feet above the Hudson River. It is fifty-five miles from New York City; five miles from the city of Newburgh, and within four miles of West Point. Cornwall parially nestles upon the broad bosom of "Storm King," that grand old monarch of the Highlands of the Hudson, which towers 1,500 feet above the plains below. By its side flows the placed Hudson; the gentle zephyrs that ripple its surface are wafted ashore, bearing health in the salt air which contributes toward making the atmosphere decidedly invigorating. There are some persons whom we pass as strangers that strike a hidden chord in one, eliciting a silent sympathy with them, so some places and landscapes possess a characteristic beauty which harmonizes thrillingly with the feeling in which we look upon them, 'till our admiration developes in a spontaneous attachment. Thus it is regarding Cornwall. Its superior situation and natural attractions, that are unexcelled by any place along the Hudson, have appealed to the hearts of many who come here year after year, like a true devotee, to pay homage to her beauties. Its situation has always impressed people as being sungularly adapted as a place of residence In the year 1609, Robert Juet, who kept a journal written on board the "Half Moon," sailing under command of Henry Hudson, shows that they appreciated the place where Cornwall is now situated. He wrote in his diary, "This is a very pretty place to build a towne on." To gain a satisfactory idea of the rare situation and unequalled grandeur of Cornwall, one must take an elevated site, (they are numerous along our mountain slopes,) and look down from one of Nature's galleries upon the arena below. It would require a more artistic pen than mine to do justice to the scene. Come and see for yourself. The grand view that is obtained from several places, is simply magnificent! As one ascends, the panoramic view constantly changes; each new scene of beauty inspires one to mount higher. Far as the eye can penetrate, the gentle rolling country is a fair pasture land, carpeted with variegated greens; neat farm-houses, half hidden by foliage, are dotted here and there, beside villages and cities. About forty miles away to the northwest, in distinct outline against the sky, is the long, level wall of the Shawangunk Mountains. North are the grand domes of the Catskills; resplendent with the brilliant sun's rays, and delicate atmospheric effects that crown their summits with a roseate hue. Beyond them a magnificent (continued on page 5)
A School of the University of the State of New York, chartered May 1st, 1890. The faculty numbers eleven resident teachers. There were in attendace at the close of the school year 134 cadets. The military department is under the charge of Lieut. Geo. R. Burnett, U.S.A., an officer detailed by the War Department. The catalogue of eighty pages will be sent upon application.
COL. C. J. WRIGHT, B.S.A.M., President.The buildings of the above school are opened during the summer season for the reception of summer guests, under the name of the Glen Ridge House. For years this resort has been well and favorably known, and parties locating here are sure of the best service in every particular.
The three principle things that conspire to give Cornwall the prominence it enjoys are; -the salubrity of air, the beauty of the scenery, and its accessibility to the City. Four railroads viz: The Ontario & Western, West Shore, New York Central and the Erie Short Cut; besides several boats, afford convenient communication with Cornwall. About fifty trains stop daily at Cornwall-on-Hudson station and carriages are ever waiting to convey travelers wherever they wish to go. You may observe by looking at the time table, what a “rapid transit” one is enabled to make from New York City to Cornwall on one of the fast running trains. If one has leisure, a sail up the Hudson, which occupies about three hours, “depending somewhat upon the wind and tide;” affords a very delightful recreation. The grandeur of the scenery along the river is unsurpassed. Its being associated with many stirring incidents of the Revolution, naturally has a tendency to make it doubly interesting.
There are few places that possesses so many and such attractive drives as Cornwall. The roads are kept in good condition, and the natural surroundings are so beautiful it could not be otherwise. Within convenient driving distance of Cornwall, are many objects of interest to the visitor. Places memorable for the conspicuous part they played in the struggle for independence. No other part of our country is more replete with Indian legend and Revolutionary incident. We shall pass over some of these charming drives noting , by the way, many objects of especial interest, hoping that the reader may have the opportunity of traveling them. Starting from “Library Square,” which place is about one mile distant from Cornwall depot and steamboat landings, and is pleasantly situated with avenues and highways running in every direction, that are lined with shade trees back of which are (continued on page 9)
Neat cottages and capacious hotel, and in whose immediate locality are two churches, Library Hall, Cornwall Local office, Post Office, stores, etc. We will proceed to the upper part of the village, formerly called Canterbury. Having driven half a mile we come to a divergence in the road; instead of pursuing a direct course through the village, take the Newburgh road that leads in a north-easterly direction. Near this spot, to the left, is an old fashioned house, nearly hidden by the foliage of venerable willow. During the Revolution a detachment of troops from New Windsor campground were always stationed in this vicinity and frequently this ancient building served as a guard house. But a short distance from here on the banks of Moodna or (Murderers) Creek, was a forge where the bar iron used in constructing the chevaus de frize from Plum Point to Pollopel’s Island, was made under the directions of Gen. Clinton. Resuming our journey, one soon comes to Idlewild brook, once a favorite haunt of the late N. P. Willis. Thus far the road is comparatively level, but near this point begins the gradual descent which leads to the valley of the Moodna. To the right is an elevation called Sloop Hill. The origin of the name is somewhat involved in obscurity; there is a tradition that a Spanish sloop came to the mouth of Moodna Creek, ladened with rum, and other articles, to trade with the Indians; their sloop getting aground the Indians captured the crew, and took possession of their goods. However it is known that in early times sloops found a favorite anchoring place in the waters at the base of this hill. From this place may be had a magnificent view of the Hudson. The immediate locality also includes much of interest, it is distinguished for its connection with the first settlement in Orange County, and is the scene of Paulding’s pathetic and familiar narrative of Moodna Creek. North where the Moodna flows into the Hudson, near the foot of the acclivity on the river side are to be seen breast-works that were erected in 1777, for the protection of the cheaux-de-frize previously mentioned. If one has leisure they may stop for a few moments at Plum Point, and trace the location of the first house erected in Orange County-that of Colonel Patrick Mac Gregorie. When he built his cabin on Plum Point the surrounding country was a vast wilderness. But a few years previous the place was owned by Indians, and occupied by Chief Cowanham, of the Waoraneck tribe. It is said the place derived its name from the abundance of wild plumbs found there. Returning to the high way, after ascending the hill, the road is perfectly level for a short distance and was formerly used for speeding horses.” On the right, back of an extensive lawn is the residence occupied for several years by Mrs. Ellis, widow of the late Col. Ellis, commander of the 124 Regiment, who was killed at Gettysburgh. A short distance on is the place hwere Washington had headquarters at the Ellison house, during a portion of the years 1779, '80, '81. The old house was taken down several years ago. Near this place was built, in 1827, the first freight boat that sailed the Hudson, called the "Experiment." "Many interesting Revolutionary relics have been exhumed in this vicinity." At this point the road divides; following the more easterly one you pass the site of primitive New Windsor, which was the early residence of the talented De Witt Clinton. New Windsor was really the early residence of Newburgh City. But, in 1783, some of the land proprietors with others concluded that Newburgh would be preferable to New Windsor as a site for commercial purposes, and began laying out streets there. A little way on one comes to a pretty stream, which is the outlet of Orange Lake—a beautiful sheet of water northwest of Newburgh. This stream is called Quassaic Creek, a word of Indian derivation. The defile through which the creek flows is named "The Vale." The building of private residences have detracted somewhat from its original beauty, and have excluded the public from walking through the grounds. It was formerly a lovely spot, shut in by high bluffs and grand old forest trees. It has Revolutionary interest as being the locality where the Tory Ettrick resided, and attempted to capture Washington. Ettrick's partisanship was kept secret, but at heart he was in favor of the British. "He formed the plan of taking, Washington captive, and invited him to his house for that purpose." Ettrick's daughter overheard the conspirators and sympathizing with Washington informed the latter of the foul plot that had been formed against him. Washington accepted the invitation to visit Ettrick and was accompanied by a detachment of his faithful guards, disguised in farmer's cloths. "As they approached the house Ettrick mistook them for his confederates; he stepped up to Washington and said: General, I believe you are my prisoner!' I believe not, sir; replied Washington, taking out his watch, 'but you are mine. The men at your doors are under my command; your friends are not to arrive until three o'clock; you see it lacks quarter of an hour of that time!' Ettrick confessed his fault and Washington, after holding him prisoner for a time permitted him out of deference to his daughter to remove to Nova Scotia." Pursuing our drive from here there are two roads to Washington's headquarters, at Newburgh, which place may be reached within a few minutes. This old place is consecrated by many interesting associations. It was the last house that Washington occupied as Commander in Chief. Near here he delivered his eloquent address to the army, soothed their sorrows and quieted the passions of the excited soldiery thereby averting threatened defeat, and once more saved the Rebpublic by a glorious triumph over the mean designs of the "Newburgh Letters." A few months later, on the fifth of November, 1783, the army of Washington were read at the head of each regiment. Thus closed a military career unexampled in the history of the world. This ancient building contains many interesting relics and will repay one to visit it. But the old house itself is the principal feature of attraction. Entering from the east side, one is introduced to "the room with seven doors and one
