Historic New York

? ? ? ? ? The deep ravines, irregular ridges and rocky slopes of the Catskill Mountains long remained wild and desolate. Small settlements began in mountain valleys before the American Revolution. After the war, population grew steadily as New Englanders streamed into the higher areas, which they called the "cold lands." The Ulster and Delaware Turnpike was begun in 1802 to connect Kingston and Walton through mountain passes used by present highways. After 1875, the Ulster and Delaware Railroad, later part of the New York Central system, wound its way from Kingston to Oneonta.

? ? ? ? ? Timber and water power made lumbering the principal occupation. Great stands of hemlock supplied bark for tanning leather. Furniture makers and hoop shavers once labored here. Bluestone quarrymen and glass blowers also used the resources of the area. Catskill vistas attracted many artists and inspired such writers as Washington Irving and John Burroughs. The mountains have long been famous as a resort area. In 1885, the State established the Forest Preserve to safeguard forever the natural resources.

? ? ? ? ? Water from mountain streams stored in great reservoirs - Ashokan, Cannonsville, Neversink, Pepacton and Rondout - is conveyed by aqueducts and tunnels to supply New York City.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Saugerties, NY  |  Ulster County  |  12477  |  New York  |  United States of America

Glasco Turnpike
Brick Church
Post Tavern Site
Kiersted House
Flatbush Reformed Church
1869 Lighthouse
Schoonmaker Homestead
The Senate House - 1676
Kingston Area
Sawyer's Mill

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.