History of Durham, New York, USA

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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...