New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

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The Dutchess Turnpike

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Dutchess Turnpike Milemarker 4In early New York and New England, rivers offered the most accommodating transportation options available to settlers, notably the Hudson and Connecticut Rivers. Travel between these rivers began on foot trails created by native people. These were improved to accommodate military and commercial traffic by governments and by entrepreneurs chartering turnpikes to exploit the tolls.

A new historical marker near Millbrook in Dutchess County identifies one such route: the Dutchess Turnpike. [Read more…] about The Dutchess Turnpike

More Than A Dozen Wildfires Reported Across New York State

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Plattekill wildfire in October 2024Recent dry and windy conditions have resulted in numerous wildfires across New York State. Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers responded to eight wildland fires in seven counties on Wednesday, October 23rd alone.

The causes of these fires include unattended campfires and debris burning. Multiple tickets were issued for leaving campfires unattended and not clearing three feet around a fire. [Read more…] about More Than A Dozen Wildfires Reported Across New York State

The 128th NY Regiment & Columbia County Contributions to the Union Army

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Admiral Farragut’s Fleet Engaging the Rebel Batteries at Port Hudson, March 14th, 1863 during the Civil WarThe 128th New York Infantry Regiment was a volunteer regiment from Columbia and Dutchess Counties during the American Civil War. Formed in Hudson, New York, on September 5, 1862, by Colonel David S. Cowles, the regiment fought at the Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana and was part of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign.

Over the course of the war, many of the regiment died or were taken prisoner and sent to the infamous Confederate Libby Prison. Colonel Cowles died with many of his men in battle at Port Hudson, while attempting to reopen the Mississippi River to the Union . [Read more…] about The 128th NY Regiment & Columbia County Contributions to the Union Army

Lower Hudson Valley State Lands Management Comments Sought

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East of Hudson mapThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the release of the draft East of Hudson Unit Management Plan for public comment. The plan guides the future uses and management of nearly 6,700 acres of DEC-managed lower Hudson Valley state lands in the towns of Amenia, Beekman, Carmel, Cortlandt, Dover, Kent, LaGrange, Milan, Pawling, Philipstown, Pine Plains, Pleasant Valley, Putnam Valley, Stanford, and Union Vale in Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties. [Read more…] about Lower Hudson Valley State Lands Management Comments Sought

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