The Town of Highland was created by an act of the Board of Supervisors on December 17, 1853. It was formed from the Town of Lumberland, which was divided into three towns because the traveling distance for town meetings was too great. The Town is situated on the highlands above the Delaware River and takes its name from these ridges. Highland was first inhabited by the Lenape Indians and the trappers of Minisink and Mamakating. Colonial period hunters, trappers, and lumbermen were drawn to Highland because of its streams and lakes, dense hardwood, conifer forests, and wild game.

On July 22, 1779, the Upper Delaware's only major Revolutionary War battle was fought on the plateau above Minisink Ford. The battle was fought between the colonial militia of Goshen, who suffered a devastating defeat against a group of Indians and Tories commanded by Mohawk chieftain Joseph Brant. Highland was settled immediately after the Revolutionary War and by 1814, the former hamlet of Lumberland Post Office, now Eldred, was established.

The first store was opened in 1828, and the first tavern in 1830. Barryville developed with the construction of the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Canal in 1828. A blacksmith shop, a gristmill, and a broom handle factory were established in Barryville shortly thereafter. Later a glass factory opened which made molded glass. The town grew with the canal, providing a large maintenance area and supply depot. Between 1827 and 1898, the D&H Canal carried coal from the Moosic Mountains of Pennsylvania to the coal markets of New York City.

The later development of the Erie Railroad (now Conrail) helped in the development of the resort communities of Yulan and Highland Lake. By the early part of the twentieth century, the town's major industry was catering to the summer visitors who traveled to Highland via the railroad. When the Erie Railroad ceased to carry passengers and the automobile became the main mode of transportation, Highland slowly emerged as a second home community. Many persons began to purchase homes for weekend, vacation, and summer use. Today there are a good number of people who make Highland their primary residence while commuting to the New York metropolitan area to work. Many others have decided to settle here and enjoy their retirement.

Highland has a long and proud heritage. Many of the people who live in the town are descendants of early settlers. The town is characterized by the fact that much of its land remains open space, preserving a resource and a way of life highly valued by the town's people. In looking towards the future, the town seeks to protect its heritage so that future generations may enjoy the same quality of life with Highlanders enjoy today.

Minisink Battleground

On July 22, 1779, the Upper Delaware's only major Revolutionary War skirmish was fought on the heights above Minisink Ford. A group of colonial militiamen suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of Indians and Tories commanded by Mohawk chieftain Joseph Brant. It is now a Sullivan County park open during daylight hours. Facilities include a picnic area, interpretive center, and self-guided trails.

Roebling's Aqueduct

The Delaware Aqueduct at Minisink Ford is the oldest wire suspension bridge in America. Built by John Roebling, designer of the later Brooklyn bridge, it carried the D&H Canal across the river. After 50 years of use as an aqueduct, it became a highway bridge in 1898. It is now owned by the National Park Service and is a National Historic Landmark.

Toll House

During the years when Roebling's Aqueduct was a privately-owned toll bridge, tolls were collected at this house along the New York access road. During summer months, exhibits are on display here and NPS rangers give tours of the bridge.

D&H Canal

From 1827 until 1898, the Delaware and Hudson Canal carried coal from the Moosic Mountains of Pennsylvania to the Hudson River for shipment to the coal markets of New York City. When New York State built Route 97 in the 1930s and U.S. Highway 209, much of the canal in this section was used as a road bed. Today, stonewalls, locks, towpaths, and other remains of the canal can still be seen by travelers along Route 97 and U.S. Highway 209.

Historic Architecture

Much of Highland's architecture dates back to the canal era. A number of fine examples of classic and Victorian style buildings can be seen by the alert observer. One of the notable canal-era buildings is the Barryville Schoolhouse, built in 1867. It served as a school for nearly a century and is now the Town Hall. Of an even earlier vintage, Eldred Congregational Church, originally Narrow Falls Congregational, was built in 1835. Another important historic site is the Barryville Congregational Church. The adjacent cemetery includes graves of Confederate soldiers and some who fell at the Battle of Minisink.

Source:
Frank V. Schwarz, Historian
Lumberland: A Gem with Many Facets
Bicentennial Pamphlet, 1998