Welcome To Forestburgh Township

The town was formed from parts of the Towns of Mamakating and Thompson in 1837.

Perhaps the site of your next home, Forestburgh is already the winter home of the American Bald Eagle. Excellent hunting and fishing are among Forestburgh's many year-round recreational and cultural assets. A primarily residential community, Forestburgh offers families great neighborhoods and open spaces to enjoy. The town's history is reflected in sites such as Stephen Crane Pond, and rock cuts for the old Ontario & Western railroad. More recent creations are celebrated every summer at the Forestburgh Playhouse Dinner Theater. The Playhouse presents five productions including musicals and comedies on the main stage of its rustic blockhouse. The lovely historic Inn at Lake Joseph is ready to welcome you. Forestburgh is part of the Neversink gorge unique area.

The historical and architectural resources of Forestburgh are rich and quite diverse in character. Among the most important are the Forestburgh log cabin, one of the earliest structures built in Sullivan County, the Blackbrook District School, the Stokes-Hartwell Mill Foundation, David H. Handy? Grave, the Railroad Station (Gilman's Depot), and the old Hartwood Post Office.

Built in the 18th Century the Forestburgh log cabin was covered up by a later period structure for many years. It was discovered as part of a remodeling project and preserved by the Town with assistance from Town, County, Federal and private individuals and groups.

The Blackbrook District School, located on Route 42 near St. Joseph's, was a rural school. It has been preserved and is in good condition today in private ownership. Along Route 42 and Mill Road are the remains of the Stokes - Hartwell Saw Mill Foundation. Built by Jesse Dickinson, a noted constructor of mills, it was originally owned by Stokes who was a County Judge and a member of the assembly. William Hartwell, also a prominent citizen, later bought the mill in 1850.

David Handy was the first settler in Forestburgh. He served in the American Revolution and died in 1814. His grave site is noted by one of the eleven historic markers in the town.