History of Canaan, New York, USA

1854 - Canaan
Canaan, a post-township of Columbia county, New York, 24 miles S. E. from Albany, is intersected by the Western railroad. Population, 1941.
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.

1859
CANAAN, a township of Columbia co., in the state of New York, 20 m. NE of Hudson, watered by tributaries of Kinderhook creek, and intersected by railroads from W Stockbridge to Hudson and Albany. It contains some bog iron ore and limestone. Pop. 1,957.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1895 - Canaan
Canaan, a post-township of Columbia co., N.Y., about 20 miles N.E. of Hudson, is intersected by the Boston & Albany Railroad. It contains a post-village named Canaan Four Corners, a Shaker community, and a hamlet named Canaan Centre. Pop. 1702.
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

1900 - Canaan
This is one of the eastern border towns of the county, and is the second from the northern boundary. It was originally a part of King's district, which, as at first erected, embraced the present towns of Canaan, New Lebanon, three fourths of Chatham and a small part of Austerlitz.

The general character of the town may be called mountainous. The Taghkanic range traverses its eastern border, while transverse spurs therefrom extend well across the town towards the west. Its valleys are narrow but fertile. Geologically the town offers a great variety of formations; some excellent slate exists that is commercially valuable, while magnesian limestone abounds. Several mineral ores abound, but not in sufficient quantities to make their extraction profitable. There are no large streams in the town, the outlet of Oueechy Lake, Flat Brook and a branch of the Kline Kill forming the list worthy of mention. Queechy Lake is a small body of pure water in the northwestern part of the town.

It... Read MORE...

1916
Canaan, a post-township (town ) of Columbia co., N. Y., about 20 miles NE. of Hudson, is intersected by the Boston and Albany R. It contains a post- village named Canaan Four Corners, a Shaker community, and a hamlet named Canaan Center. Pop. in 1900, 1307.
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 and around Canaan:
Queechy Lake:

Enjoy a serene day by the lake, perfect for picnics, fishing, and boating.
Explore the hiking trails around the lake for a scenic nature walk.

Berkshire Mountain Distillers:

Take a tour of the distillery and learn about the craft of making spirits.

Sample locally crafted whiskey, gin, and vodka.
Hancock Shaker Village:

Immerse yourself in the history of the Shakers at this living history museum.

Tour the preserved Shaker buildings and gardens.

Bash Bish Falls State Park:

Hike to Bash Bish Falls, the highest waterfall in Massachusetts, located just a short drive from Canaan.

Enjoy the picturesque views and the refreshing mist from the falls.

Tanglewood:

Attend a concert at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Relax on the expansive lawn with a picnic while enjoying world-class music.

Catamount Aerial Adventure Park:

Experience an adrenaline rush with zip lines, rope bridges, and other aerial... Read MORE...