History of Middletown, New York

Middletown is a city in Orange County, New York, located approximately 70 miles north-northwest of New York City. The city's lengthy and distinguished history extends back to the early eighteenth century. Learn more about the geography of Middletown, NY here.

John Green purchased land from the DeLancey patent and colonized the area around 1744, according to historical records. Due to its location between neighboring communities, the citizens of Middletown acquired the name Middletown, subsequently altering it to South Middletown to avoid confusion with a nearby community. In 1848, when the hamlet became a village, the word "south" was eliminated and replaced with the current name. In 1888, the settlement was constituted as a city. Middletown was predominantly a farming village in its early years, with wheat, corn, and oats being the most common crops farmed.

Middletown began to industrialize in the 19th century, and various factories were constructed in the city. These factories manufactured a range of products, including textiles, paper, and agricultural machinery. As the city expanded, it became a regional center for trade and business. By the 1960s, most of the old manufacturing enterprises had closed due to industrial restructuring. Middletown absorbed the neighboring Village of Amchir in 1968. During the 1970s, the closing of a big Ford Motor Company plant in Mahwah, New Jersey, and the downsizing of IBM activities in the area dealt significant blows to the economies of Middletown and the surrounding communities.

Middletown continues to expand and change throughout the 20th century. Several colleges and institutions were founded in the vicinity, transforming the city into an educational hub. Today, Middletown is a flourishing, diverse municipality renowned for its strong sense of community and abundance of resources.