Celebrating Putnam’s Bicentennial Year in 2012

Daniel Stockfield Two hundred years ago, a swath of land in the lower Hudson Valley was separated from Dutchess County and given its own name, Putnam, in honor of one of the valiant generals who helped the fledgling United States win its independence from Great Britain.

Just six days later the two nations were again at war, but Putnam County was on a path that led to vital roles in the Industrial Revolution, the Civil War, the expansion of New York City and its water supply, the Taconic State Parkway, and the vibrant resorts that once thrived locally. Today, we are a fast growing assemblage of diverse communities, abundant open space, treasured history, and enjoyable recreation in New York City’s outer suburbs.

Numerous events are planned to commemorate our bicentennial, the first of which was held last Saturday at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac. Some 300 attendees paid $175 per ticket to attend the Bicentennial Ball, keynoted by Libby Pataki, wife of former New York Governor George Pataki.

“I wish for another 200 years of prosperity and growth to offset our slow years,” said Putnam County Chambers of Commerce board member Henry Boyd, of Boyd Artesian Well Co. “We had a wonderful opportunity to rub elbows with political leaders thanks to [Putnam County Attorney] Jennifer Bumgarner.” The revelers enjoyed a festive atmosphere and celebrated both the vibrant past and an optimistic future.

Proceeds from the Ball will fund additional 2012 events, including a parade, the unearthing of a time capsule installed in 1962, and placement of a new one. On July 7, a celebration will be held on Constitution Island, where a chain across the Hudson protected West Point from invading British vessels in the American Revolution.

We Putnamites should be very proud of our heritage, the legacy that we carry on of ingenuity, diversity, ecology, and economy. We truly are “where the country begins.”

—Jennifer Maher Chairwoman Putnam County Chambers of Commerce