History of Durham, New York, USA

1788 - Baptist Church started at Durham
In the year of 1788, Deacon Obed Hervey and others settled in Hervey Street. They belonged to the Baptist church of North East, Dutchess county. Deacon Hervey was a very godly man, and was about this time (although well advanced in life) ordained as a preacher of the gospel. Their first meetings were held in the houses and barns of the settlers. Elder Hervey died in 1808, aged 86. His son Obed was also a deacon, and contributed much toward the welfare of the church.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1846 - Murder near East Durham
Early in August 1846, Robert James, a drover, was murdered by Patrick Flynn, near East Durham. The trial was conducted in behalf of the people by Lyman Tremain, district attorney, and resulted in the conviction of Flynn, who suffered the penalty of the law. He was said to be the first criminal who was executed in Greene county.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1846 - Death by scythe
August 24th 1846, Florentine Humphrey of West Durham, and another young man, were mowing in the field, when, by some means, the scythe of the young man cut a deep wound in the leg of Mr. Humphrey, severing the main artery. In a short time he was dead. The young man was tried but acquitted. He left the country.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1854 - Durham
Durham, a post-township of Greene county, New York, on Catskill creek, 80 miles S. W. from Albany. Population, 2600.
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.

1857 - Snow Storm
In April 1857, the town was visited by a fearful snow-storm. Snow fell from four to six feet deep, and very damp and heavy. The glue factory was partially demolished. L. A. Hull’s barn, and Abijah Ransom’s barn, were broken down, killing cattle and sheep. Fruit trees, in great numbers, were also destroyed.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1859
DURHAM, a township of Greene co., in the state of New York, 36 m. SW of Albany. It presents a rugged surface, and is watered by Catskill river and its tributaries. Its soil consists of clay and gravelly loam. Pop. 2,813. The village contains about 300 inhabitants.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1861 - Drownings
James Donnelly was swept away by high water and drowned, on the night of November 3rd 1861. He went into one of the buildings connected with the foundry at Oak Hill, in order to secure some of the property of the company. While there, the water rose so high that the building was swept away, and he was lost. The poor man called for help as he passed down the stream, but no help was possible. Stephen Snyder of Medusa, was drowned at the same time.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1869 - Flood
The autumn of 1869 abounded in heavy rains and floods. It was said that the flood of October 4th destroyed 16 bridges in the town. Farms were very much injured by the washing of the soil. Oren Porter’s farm was supposed to be injured to the amount of $1,000.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1870 - Dam Break
In April 1870, the reservoir at Rensselaerville broke away, and the consequence was a tremendous rush of water down the valley of Saybrook Creek; bridges, barns, mills, and mill-dams, were swept away like children’s toys.

Miss Minnie Turner, about 12 years of age, and other members of the family, lived quite near the stream, at Saybrook. The water came up against the house so high that they, fearing to remain in it any longer, attempted to reach the house of a neighbor; but Minnie was caught in the current, and borne on down the stream of death.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1876 - FIre
One of the largest fires in the history of the town was that of May 26th 1876, when two hotels, two hotel barns, and most of their contents, were destroyed.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1884 - Durham
The territory now known as Durham was formerly included within the boundaries of Albany county.

It belonged to the district of Coxsackie, as organized in 1772. In 1788, this district was formed into a distinct town, retaining the original name, Coxsackie. March 8th 1790, the town of Coxsackie was divided into two nearly equal sections, by a line running north and south, near and east of the villages of Greenville, Freehold and Woodstock. The eastern division retained the original name, Coxsackie, while the western portion of the town was organized as the town of Freehold. The following is a copy of the original act of Legislature by which the town was constituted:

"From and after the first Monday of April next, all that part of the town of Coxsackie, in the County of Albany, which lies west of Coeyman's Confirmation, and a fourth line to be drawn from the southwest corner thereof to the south bounds of the said town, shall be, and become, and his hereby erected into a distinct ... Read MORE...

1895 - Durham
Durham, a post-village of Durham township, Greene co., N.Y., about 30 miles S.W. of Albany. It has 2 churches and an academy. Pop. about 600.
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

1916
Durham, a post-village of Durham township (town), Greene co., N.Y., about 30 miles SW. of Albany. Pop. about 300 ; of the town in 1900, 1636.
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

Durham has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this picturesque town:
Zoom Flume Water Park:

Beat the summer heat at Zoom Flume, one of the best water parks in the region. With thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, it's a fantastic spot for families and friends to enjoy a day of water-based fun.

Durham Valley Golf Course:

Tee off at Durham Valley Golf Course, a scenic 18-hole course surrounded by the stunning Catskill Mountains. It's an excellent place for both seasoned golfers and beginners, offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Thacher State Park:

Just a short drive away, Thacher State Park provides hiking trails and breathtaking vistas of the Hudson Valley. Pack a picnic and spend a day exploring the natural beauty of this expansive park.

Bronck Museum:

Dive into local history at the Bronck Museum, located in Coxsackie (close to Durham). This living history museum features Dutch and Native American artifacts, as well as guided tours of the Bronck House, a historic home dating back to... Read MORE...