History of Goshen, New York, USA

The Orange County Fair was first held on Nov 17, 1841 at the courthouse in Goshen, the one-day event attracted farmers from across the county to exhibits of cattle, horses and vegetables.

orangetourism.org

1854 - Goshen
Goshen, a post- village in Goshen township, and semi-capital of Orange co., New York, on the Erie railroad, 70 miles N. N. W. from New York. It contains 2 banks, 3 churches, an academy, and several manufactories. Three or four newspapers are published here. The township is noted for the excellent quality of its butter. Incorporated in 1809. Population of the township, 8149.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Goshen
Goshen, a post-village, one of the capitals of Orange co., N.Y., in Goshen township, and on the Erie Railroad, 60 miles N.N.W. of New York, and 18 miles S.W. of Newburg. The Wallkill Valley Railroad and Pine Island Branch of the Erie Railroad connect here with the main line. Goshen contains a court-house, 4 churches, 2 national banks, several classical schools, and printing-offices which issue 4 newspapers. It has manufactures of bricks, cheese, tiles, &c. Pop. 2907. Large quantities of butter and milk are ex ported from this place. Goshen township, which is bounded on the W. by the Wallkill River, is noted for the superior quality of its butter. The surface is diversified with hills of gradual slope which are arable to the summits. Total pop. in 1890, 5021.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1902 - CLOUDBURST AT GOSHEN.
Special to The New York Times.
Goshen, N.Y., Aug. 29. - This section of country was on Thursday night the centre of a remarkable cloudburst. Blinding sheets of rain fell and the lightning played continuously for two hours.

While the tempest raged two and a half inches of rain fell. Hail was also mingled with the raindrops, and the frightened cattle fought for places of protection beneath the trees.

For an hour after the storm there was passable sleighing. At Otisville, where many people had attended a coaching parade, a panic was created. No fewer than twenty-five places were struck by lightning, and barns containing thousands of dollars' worth of crops were totally destroyed.

Among the places burned or damaged were the barn of JAMES GARLAND, the houses of CHARLES E. HILL, MRS. LONA HODGE, W. C. F. BASTAN, the O. and W. shops, two electric lights plants, all in Middletown, and the barns of ANDREW J. CRAIG in Otisville, of FRANK GIVANS, in New Vernon; ALBERT KNAPP of South... Read MORE...

1908 - Goshen
NORTHWEST, sixty miles by rail from New York City, sixteen miles in an air line west from the Hudson River, lies Goshen, the county seat of Orange County, located in the geographical center of that civic subdivision. The town derives its name from the Goshen of Biblical memory. Almost two centuries ago the first of the settlers came. The native beauty of the place appealed to the calm and dauntless spirits of these men, who had plunged boldly into a benighted and unknown country. They stood upon the wooded hills and looked with glad eyes upon the fertile, fruitful valley. All around about them lay the land of their desire, and they called it Goshen, the "promised land" of the Scriptures.

The town, which was first known by this name in 1714, was originally much larger than at present. Its boundaries were defined by law in 1788. A part of Hamptonburgh was taken from it in 1830, and a part of Chester in 1845. Other changes of boundaries were made at different times, as recited... Read MORE...

1916
Goshen, a banking post-village, capital of Orange co., K.Y., in Goshen township (town), on the Erie and the Lehigh and New England Ra., 60 miles NNW. of New York. Goshen contains a court-house and the St. John's Academic School. It has manufactures of bricks, cheese, cut-glass, tiles, etc. Large quantities of butter and milk are shipped from this place. Goshen township, which is bounded on the W. by the Wallkill River, is noted for the superior quality of its butter. Pop. of the village in 1900, 2826 ; of the town, 4564.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Goshen:
Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame: Learn about the rich history of harness racing at this museum. It's not only a tribute to the sport but also a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Goshen.

Goshen Historic Track: This is the oldest active harness racing track in the United States. Even if you're not into racing, the historic significance and architecture of the track are worth seeing.

Goshen Farmers' Market: Every Friday, from May through October, you can enjoy the Goshen Farmers' Market. It's a great place to taste local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.

Orange County Farmers Museum: Located right in Goshen, this museum provides insight into the agricultural history of the region. You can explore vintage farm equipment, exhibits, and demonstrations.

The Greenway Trail: If you enjoy outdoor activities, the Heritage Trail, also known as The Greenway, is perfect for walking, running, or biking. It's a scenic route that winds through Goshen and... Read MORE...