Nestled between the majestic Hudson River and the mountains of Harriman State Park, only 25 miles north of New York City, Stony Point is a town rich in history. The story of America dots the landscape of a town that played a key role in our nation’s independence. Previously, the area was known by several different names such as Antioch, Flora Falls, North Haverstraw, Knight’s Corners and Caldwell’s Landing. Early inhabitants of the town included colonial Dutch and English settlers who purchased land from the Algonquin Indians. The town was formed by an act of the New York State Legislature on March 20, 1865.
During the American Revolution, King's Ferry was a major crossing point on the Hudson, connecting Stony Point on the west side of the river with Verplank's Point on the east side. It was strategically important as the southernmost crossing site that could be safely used while the British held New York City. All travelers, Continental Army troops, supplies, and communication passing between New England and the states to the south crossed the river at this spot.
The Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site marks the July 16, 1779 Battle of Stony Point in which General "Mad" Anthony Wayne led 1,350 Continental Army troops in a surprise attack against the British just before midnight. The British suffered heavy losses in this battle that served as an important victory for the Continental Army. The battlefield is now home to a museum and park where Revolutionary War reenactments take place every year. The historic Stony Point Lighthouse also resides within the park. The Lighthouse, built in 1826, operated for 99 years before being decommissioned in 1925.
After World War II, Stony Point became home to the Hudson River National Defense Reserve Fleet. The "mothball fleet", located in the Hudson River near Jones Point, numbered 189 at its peak in 1965 and called Stony Point home until 1971.
Stony Point is a gateway to New York’s beautiful State Park system, with Bear Mountain State Park located just north of town as well as the campgrounds, lakes and beaches of Harriman State Park located in north and west sections of town.
Located in northern Rockland County, Stony Point sits on the western bank of the Hudson River, north of Haverstraw. Route 9W/202 runs through its center. With a population of approximately 15,000, and an elevation of 282 feet, Stony Point is considered part of the New York Metropolitan Area.
