Cornwall is conveniently located 50 miles north of New York City, and just 5 miles north of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, in scenic Eastern Orange County. Cornwall is situated in the valley formed by the Schunemunk Mountain and the Hudson Highland ridges along the Hudson River. Cornwall encompasses the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, as well as the historic hamlets of Bethlehem, Mountainville, Salisbury Mills, Canterbury, Meadowbrook, Firthcliff and Idlewild.

In 1609, the English navigator Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River in search of a Northwest passage. When he reached shallow water, he anchored off what is now Cornwall, and recorded this in his ship's log: "This is a pleasant place to build a towne on." In 1684 the first permanent settlement was made in Cornwall. In the ensuing 50 years, English and Scotch families came to the fertile tableland above the river meadows naming it "new Cornwall" because of the marked similarity to the terrain of Cornwallshire, England, It is believed that the hamlet of Canterbury was the site of this settlement. The first recorded Town meeting was held here in April 1765, and here that public action was taken to change the name to Cornwall, in 1799.

The late 1800's were the heyday of Cornwall's fame. It became a summer resort because of the natural beauty of the river, its mountain vistas, scenic trails, fresh country air and convenience to New York City via riverboat or railroad. Cornwall is blessed with these features to this day.

Visit us after an Army Football Game. Spend a day at the world renowned Storm King Art Center or The Museum of the Hudson Highlands. Enjoy hiking in Black Rock Forest or any of our other scenic trails. Picnic along the shore of the Hudson. Join us for a stroll down Main Street. Shop in our unique stores or enjoy a meal at one of our many fine restaurants. We'd love to see you.