Tourism Brochure

It's time to celebrate in the City of Newburgh! On Thursday, September 28, City officials, community partners, and press gathered at the Captain David Crawford House to formally launch a new tourism brochure, "Experience! Newburgh." The full-color, illustrated "cultural heritage brochure" is filled with information on the City's history and architecture, and includes points of interest and maps. The event was hosted by the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands.

"Now, with increased attention focused on Newburgh's renaissance and all that the City has to offer, the time is right to provide a brochure and map detailing the historic, architectural, and natural gems in Newburgh," said Mayor Nicholas Valentine.

Recognition was given to Senator William Larkin for his assistance in obtaining funding for the brochure, and to Central Hudson Gas and Electric, Tom Daley, Ellen Epstein, the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, the late Bob Goodbread and his wife, Vivian, Roberta Hanson, Jim Hoekema, George Linton, Tom Knieser, Ed McCarthy, Records Management Officer Betsy McKean, City Historian Mary McTamaney, Karsten Staiger, Linda Thomas, Bud Whitaker, Daniel Muñoz of the Orange County Water Authority, and Sue Young, owner of Design by Sue on Liberty Street, who designed the brochure.

The land that would become the City of Newburgh was first glimpsed by Henry Hudson in 1609. In 1709, Queen Anne of England gave refuge to Palatine Germans fleeing the armies of Louis XIV. Finding the land ill-suited for farming, the settlers were replaced by those interested in river commerce; soon all roads led to Newburgh, which collected the bounty of the region to be shipped on the Hudson River.

In the 19th century, Newburgh grew and thrived as a major hub of shipping, commerce and culture. The nation's premier artists and architects, captivated by the Hudson River vistas and the charisma of the country's premier landscape architect, Andrew Jackson Downing, flocked here, along with dignitaries, statesmen, and scientists. In 1835, architect A.J. Davis designed the Dutch Reformed Church (now a National Historic Landmark), as a testimony to the "taste, discrimination and sense of classical beauty of the inhabitants of Newburgh." In 1953, Look Magazine designated the City of Newburgh an "All-America City."

Some 20 years later, the City of Newburgh, along with municipalities across the country, suffered the devastation of a changing economy. Residents and businesses migrated to the suburbs. The river and rails were replaced as commercial thoroughfares by major highways. Factories, homes, and other buildings were left to decay, and were demolished during Urban Renewal. Yet, plenty of the City's historical and architectural gems remain, and can be found within the pages of the brochure.

The City's renaissance is well underway. The renovated waterfront boasts world-class restaurants, art galleries and shops, and businesses large and small are popping up throughout the City. Young professionals and a cadre of artists have discovered what keeps long-time residents here- Newburgh's affordability, potential, and charm. Major newspapers throughout the state confirm the City's rebound.

"Experience! Newburgh is a celebration of our unique history, culture, diversity, and our progress," said City Manager Jean-Ann McGrane. "We want everyone to think of the City of Newburgh as a destination, whether it's for a day trip, a weekend, or a place to make a home."

In July 2006, the City of Newburgh published a fold-out color tourist brochure, with detailed maps, photographs, and text describing trails through the city, its heritage sites, parks, statues and cemeteries.

You can download sections of the brochure below. Print them out and take them with you!