HoehmTown Happenings: Happy 235th Birthday, Clarkstown!

March 18, 2026, marks the 235th 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. 

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.