History of Valley Falls, New York, USA

1895 - Valley Falls
Valley Falls, a post-village of Rensselaer co., N.Y., on the Hoosic River, and on the Troy & Boston Railroad, 14 miles N. by E. of Troy. It is mostly in Pittstown town ship, and is sometimes called Pittstown Station. It has a church, a paper-mill, a graded school, a flour-mill, and a manufactory of twine and mosquito-netting. Pop. 782.
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

1906
Valley Falls, a post-village of Rensselaer co., N.V., on the Hoosic River and on the Boston and Maine R., 14 miles N. by E. of Troy. It has linen manufactures. Pop. about 1200.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1928 - 4 EMPLOYEES KILLED IN POWDER MILLS EXPLOSION. HOMES IN TOWNS NEARBY DAMAGED IN MORNING BLAST. SEVERAL WORKMEN ARE INJURED WHEN POWDER LETS GO IN PLANT NEAR VALLEY FALLS AND TIMBERS FALL UPON THEM.
Valley Falls, N.Y., Mar 16 - (INS) - Four men were instantly killed, several were injured, and homes in nearby towns were damaged when three mills of the Hercules Powder Company, located on the state highway between this village and Schaghticoke, exploded shortly before nine o'clock this morning.

The dead:
JOSEPH MITCHELL, 63, Millwright.
VICTOR SHELLEY, 26, glazier.
JOHN HAYNER, 56, carpenter.
HARRY WHITE, 43, powder sorter.

Officials at the plant estimated that upwards of 10,000 pounds of black powder had exploded.

MITCHELL and HAYNER were working in a glazing mill which had been shut down. The theory was advanced that sparks from the contact of their hammers with nails may have set off the powder.

SHELLEY and WHITE were in an adjoining glazing mill.

A truck load of the finished black powder, standing alongside of one of the mills, went up in the explosion.

Edward L. Prickett, superintendent of the plant and several other workmen were injured by falling... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Valley Falls:
Petersburgh Pass State Forest:

Explore the natural beauty of the Petersburgh Pass State Forest. Hiking trails provide opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the scenic landscapes.

Valley Falls Park:

Spend a relaxing day in Valley Falls Park. Enjoy a picnic, take a leisurely stroll, or simply unwind in this community green space.

Tomhannock Reservoir:

If you enjoy fishing or simply want to appreciate serene waterfront views, visit Tomhannock Reservoir. It's a peaceful spot for nature lovers.

Schaghticoke Fair:

Check the schedule for the annual Schaghticoke Fair. This traditional country fair features agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and delicious fair food.

Historic Sites:

Explore the local history by visiting historic sites like the Melrose Methodist Church and other charming buildings that reflect the village's heritage.

Outdoor Recreation:

Take advantage of the outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding... Read MORE...