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The
Town of Philipstown came into being resulting from what might seem
to be considered the first ever real estate deal in what was then
the southwestern corner of Dutchess County. Two obscure gentlemen,
originally from Holland, and later taking up residency in New
Admsterdam, (today's Manhattan) obtained a license from New York
State in October 1687 permitting their purchase of a deed from the
Native Americans then living in what is now Philipstown.
Lambert
Dorlandt and Jan Sybrant, 4 years later, purchased said deed in July
1691 from the Indian residency, through the sanction of New York
State. For whatever reasons, Lambert and Jan, in July 1697, (6 years
following purchase from the Indians) sold their property to
abundantly rich and politically minded merchant, Adolph Philipse,
from New York. (New Amsterdam was renamed New York in 1664.) This
pivotal transaction would, down a long road, culminate in
Philipstown originating into one of the first townships in the
"Philipse Patent", which was then still a part of Dutchess
County. Adolph Philipse could well be considered the first citizen
of Philipstown, but most certainly a distinguished member of the
family clan from whom our township takes its name.
Philipstown,
officially on March 7, 1788, became a township; 91 years following
Adolph's purchase from Dorlandt and Sybrant. It would be another 24
years before what is now Putnam County would break away from
Dutchess County, becoming it's own entity. Incorporated in the new
county was the old township, which continues to this day more
vibrant than ever, having matured in character and substance through
the wisdom of age.
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