WASHINGTON, est. in 1788, at 61.47 sq. mi. is the largest in area of Dutchess’ 20 towns. Named to honor Gen. Washington, unsupported local legend pictures his Revolutionary troops encamped under a huge cottonwood tree near Washington Hollow during the war. Before the end of the 19th c. history records peaceful New England Quakers organizing meetings and schools here. In the 19th c. town streams supplied the power for local mills. Its rolling hills, commanding beautiful views of the Hudson Valley, attracted the wealthy and prominent to build estates and encouraged tourism. Fertile soils and an important role in the breeding of horses and Aberdeen Angus cattle make it an agricultural center and home to both Cornell Cooperative Extension/Farm and Home Center and the IES Cary Arboretum. The Village of Millbrook, a 19th c. railroad center, is now the hub of local government, business and culture. Other hamlets are South Millbrook, Lithgow, Little Rest, Washington Hollow and Mabbettsville.

AMENIA, one of Dutchess’ first 9 towns, is said to have been named by Dr. Thomas Young, a poet, from the Latin, “Amoena,” meaning “pleasant place.” It was know locally in the 19th c. as “the milky way” for its many dairies. The first settler, sea capt. Richard Sackett, petitioned the crown for permission to purchase 7,500 acres near Washiac (Wassaic) in 1703. Palatines from Germany, French Huguenots and New Englanders seeking land and religious freedom were its earliest families. Settlements grew in the 19th c. spurred by travel along the Harlem Valley by road and rail. A 19th c. economy based upon iron and agriculture gave way in the 20th c. to state services, soil mining and a new wave of agriculture, including animal breeding and viticulture. In the early 20th c. revolutionary thinkers like Luther Burbank, W.E.B. DuBois and Lewis Mumford gathered at the Spingarn Estate, now “Troutbeck”. Today Amenia annually hosts a World Peace Festival. Amenia hamlet is the center of this 41.10 sq. mi town. Other communities include South Amenia, Amenia Union, Leedsville, Smithfield and Wassaic.