March 18, 2026, marks the 235 th Anniversary of our beloved Clarkstown, which was
formally established by the New York State Legislature on March 18, 1791. From its
beginnings as part of the Kakiat Patent in Orange County to its current status as the
economic hub of Rockland County, Clarkstown's journey is representative of the broader
evolution of the American spirit—from revolutionary resilience to modern suburban
innovation.
Long before its official incorporation, the land that would become Clarkstown was a
theater of the American Revolution. In August 1780, while on the way to Yorktown,
General George Washington encamped in West Nyack. Our town’s name traces back to
Daniel De Clarke, a Dutch settler who purchased land in the area as early as 1686. The
first recorded mention of "Clarke’s Town" appears in a 1764 deed. When the town was
later separated from the Haverstraw Precinct in 1791, David Pye, an English-born
patriot, was chosen as our first supervisor. Pye’s leadership during the formative years
of the Republic was only part of his civic dedication, which also included serving in State
office.
One of the town's most enduring symbols of our history is the 1840 Tavern, formerly the
Clarksville Inn in West Nyack. Built by Thomas Warner, the inn had served as a vital
stagecoach stop on the route between New York City and Albany. Over its nearly three-
century lifespan, the inn has hosted countless travelers, including notable historical
figures. It is widely believed that President Martin Van Buren stopped there during his
travels through the Hudson Valley. The same is said of legendary American author,
Washington Irving. While their rumored visits can’t be proven beyond a shadow of a
doubt, the town's strategic location and importance in the early development of the
state and nation is undeniable.
Among our town’s most unique historical footnotes is the story of Jane “Naut” Kanniff,
who was the subject of the last witch trial held in New York State. In 1816, some local
residents grew suspicious of a West Nyack widow known for her odd ways, eccentric
dress, and thoroughly antisocial behavior. According to local lore and historical
accounts, Kanniff was brought to the local mill to face trial by ordeal. In a test of faith
and physics, she was weighed against a large Dutch Family Bible; the belief was that a
witch would weigh less than the bible. Fortunately, for Naut, she outweighed the Bible
and was acquitted, providing a colorful chapter to our local history.
Throughout the 19th century, Clarkstown’s hamlets flourished through diverse
industries. Rockland Lake became famous for its ice harvesting by the Knickerbocker
Ice Company. The ice, with its beautiful, blue hue, was the premier source of
refrigeration across the region and even into Europe and India. In Bardonia, then known
as Bardon Station, a bustling German community came to settle, with at least two
hotels, breweries, a train station and several German language newspapers. The arrival
of the West Shore Railroad in the late 1800s further transformed the town, connecting
its agricultural and industrial products to broader markets. This connectivity laid the
groundwork for the suburban growth that would follow in the 20th century.
In recent years, the town has focused more than ever on preserving its heritage and
environment. Recent initiatives include the restoration of the Traphagen and Budke
houses, the acquisition of Storms Tavern, the creation of the Bear Swamp Nature
Preserve, and the acquisition of over forty acres for parkland and open space. This past
week, we established the Greenway Commission and are asking the State legislature to
pass legislation to enable the Town to further protect our open space.
As we look at Clarkstown in 2026, the transformation is striking. The once-rural
landscape of farms and "livestock parades" has evolved into the 9th largest town in
New York State. Today, Clarkstown stands as the geographic and economic center of
Rockland County, containing sixty percent of all commercial ratables in the county. We
will continue to look to ascertain how we can protect our town, celebrate its history, and
chart the course for the future. Happy 235th Birthday, Clarkstown. May the next two
centuries be as remarkable as the last.
