Road Trips in Columbia County

Drive Through History

Get out and explore the historic beauty of Columbia County with our new self-guided road trips.
Download the maps and be sure to tag @CCHS_NY and use the hashtag #DriveThroughHistory as you make your way around the County!

Please Note: Some historic structures featured here are privately-owned and/or residences. Please respect the privacy of current inhabitants and refrain from approaching or entering the property unless it is clearly marked as a museum or public space.

New York's First Public School -- Clermont

Schoolhouse Stories

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In the 18th and 19th centuries, one-room schoolhouses were the heart of American education. In Columbia County alone there were more than 100, some of which operated well into the 1960s! Download the map and learn about this bygone era on a tour of former one-room schoolhouses around the County.

Burden Machine Shop, Linlithgo

Artifacts of Industry

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If you’ve ever wanted to know the stories behind Columbia County’s mill and factory ruins, this road trip is for you. Download the map and hit the road to discover how western Columbia County was shaped by its many diverse industries, including whaling, mining, and ice harvesting.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Livingston)

Sacred Spaces (Part I)

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Columbia County’s pastoral landscapes are dotted with historic places of worship and cemeteries that preserve the deep religious traditions of the area.
Download the map, to visit churches and cemeteries of the Roeliff Jansen region of Columbia County. Stay tuned for Part II, coming soon!

There’s so much fascinating history and heritage around Columbia County, and traces of the past may be found down every state highway and country road. While our museums are temporarily closed, let CCHS be your guide for these scenic road trips to explore everything from local legends to our most significant political, educational and religious sites. We’ll be unveiling more road trips throughout the summer and fall, so check back here or subscribe to our email newsletter to stay up to date.

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#DriveThroughHistory

Taconic Orchards

Good Apples

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Agriculture has long been the lifeblood of Columbia County, and apple farms make up the “core.” But did you know that some of our orchards have been operating for over 200 years? Or that Dutch settlers are to thank for apple cider donuts? Download the map and learn the stories behind our most historic and iconic apple farms.

Samuel Tilden Runs for President, 'PUCK'

Patriots & Patroons

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Buckle up for a bumpy journey through Columbia County's political past! From America’s eighth president to a drafter of the Declaration of Independence, discover the many local figures who crossed the national political stage. Download the map here .

Spook Rock (Greenport)

Legends & Folklore

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Love learning about obscure stories that don’t always make it into the history books? Columbia County is full of them.
Download the map, hop in the car and explore the legendary folk tales, strange occurrences and larger-than-life legends that once roamed this region of the Hudson Valley.