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46-570: The rivers headwaters flow southwards from gates at Kirk Lake , a controlled lake in the New York City water supply system , and Lake Mahopac , lying near one-another in the Putnam County hamlet of Mahopac, New York in the Town of Carmel . About two miles south the flow of Secor Brook joins in, an outfall from Lake Secor to the northwest. After trending slightly southeast for a bit over three miles

92-506: A 220' wide, 28' high structure in 1881, dramatically enlarging its impoundment area. It is unclear whether there would be any natural impoundment at all if it were removed. The dam is a stone masonry-earth buttress. The top of the dam is 592.3 feet above Mean Sea Level. Its crest is 61 feet wide, some 28 feet above the Muscoot River. Maximum reservoir capacity is 1822 acre-feet, or .6 billion US gallons (2,300,000 m ). Kirk Lake

138-404: A Civil Bureau, patrol division, a marine unit, a motorcycle unit, a school resource unit, and a narcotics enforcement unit. Putnam County is part of the 94th State Assembly District (Towns of Carmel, Patterson, Putnam Valley and Southeast), represented by Matt Slater (R), and the 95th State Assembly District (Towns of Kent and Phillipstown), represented by Dana Levenberg (D). Putnam County

184-630: A group of Dutch traders purchased a tract of land from the Wappingers that spanned from the Hudson River to the Connecticut border. Six years later they sold it to wealthy Dutch-American merchant Adolphus Philipse , who obtained a Royal sanction for a "Highland Patent" (later to be known as the Philipse Patent ) that encompassed most of today's Putnam County. Unknown at that time was a northwest veer in

230-536: A river in New York is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Kirk Lake (New York) Kirk Lake is a controlled lake in the hamlet of Mahopac in the town of Carmel in Putnam County, New York . It lies due west and sharply below considerably larger Lake Mahopac . It is one of three controlled lakes in the New York City water supply system 's Croton Watershed . The outfall of Kirk Lake forms

276-414: Is 920 acre-feet, or .3 billion US gallons (1,100,000 m ). 41°23′10″N 73°45′00″W  /  41.386°N 73.750°W  / 41.386; -73.750 This article about a location in Putnam County, New York is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Putnam County, New York Putnam County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York . As of

322-579: Is land and 16 square miles (41 km ) (6.5%) is water. Putnam County is situated in the lower Hudson Valley in the southeastern part of New York, between the Hudson River on its west and the New York - Connecticut border on its east. Putnam is southeast of Newburgh , and it is north of White Plains . Depending on precise location within the county, road travel distance to New York City ranges between 45 and 65 miles (72 and 105 km). The terrain of

368-651: Is limited to four three-year terms in office (without taking into account any previous terms held by such person prior to February 1, 2014). Legislative terms are staggered so that one-third of the members of the County Legislature is elected each year. The county has had six County Executives: There are three types of general trial courts in Putnam County: the New York Supreme Court , the County Court and

414-543: Is owned by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (which absorbed the New York City Bureau of Water Supply). Its drainage area is 2.95 square miles, and maximum discharge of its spillway and 36" overflow pipe 440 cubic feet of water per second. The normal length of Kirk Lake's pool is 0.8 miles, with a total surface area of 124 acres. Maximum pool size is 220 acres. Its normal capacity

460-478: Is part of the 40th State Senate District (Towns of Carmel, Patterson, and Southeast), represented by Peter Harckham (D), and the 41st State Senate District (Towns of Kent, Phillipstown and Putnam Valley), represented by Democrat Michelle Hinchey . Putnam County is located in the 17th congressional district and has been represented by Republican Mike Lawler since 2023. Putnam County has voted consistently for Republican presidential candidates, largely bucking

506-466: The 2020 census , the population was 97,668. The county seat is Carmel , located within one of six towns comprising the county. The county is part of the Hudson Valley region of the state. Putnam County is bordered by Dutchess County to the north, Connecticut to the east, Westchester County to the south, and the Hudson River to the west. Midtown Manhattan is around a one-hour drive, and

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552-568: The Civil War . One third of the county's men between the ages of 15 and 55 served in the military during the war years. During the post-Civil War years, industry and agriculture suffered losses as the economy contracted. Iron, which was produced in the Highland Mountains, could be found elsewhere. Agriculture was also affected greatly. The increasing need for drinking water in New York City led

598-464: The Connecticut Colony negotiated an agreement on November 28, 1683, establishing their border as 20 miles (32 km) east of the Hudson River, and north to Massachusetts. Dutchess county was organized as one of New York's twelve counties. It included all of today's Putnam County and two towns in the present Columbia county. Until 1713, Dutchess was administered by Ulster county. In 1691,

644-460: The Democratic trend in the New York City suburbs. From 1828 to 1868, Putnam was a Democratic stronghold, but since 1872, the only Democratic presidential nominees to carry Putnam County have been Woodrow Wilson in 1912 and Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 246 square miles (640 km ), of which 230 square miles (600 km )

690-702: The New Croton Reservoir before either being carried to New York City via the New Croton Aqueduct or, in times of surplus, over the spillway at the New Croton Dam and into the Croton River , then carried into the Hudson River at Croton-on-Hudson at Croton Point about 30 miles (50 km) north of New York City. 41°16′10″N 73°43′31″W  /  41.2695°N 73.7254°W  / 41.2695; -73.7254 This article related to

736-484: The 2012 American Community Survey and 2009–2013 American Community Survey , respectively. In 1609, the Wappinger Native American people inhabited the east bank of the Hudson River . They farmed, hunted, and fished throughout their range, often encountering Dutch fur traders. They obtained metal tools and goods such as alcohol and firearms in exchange for furs. The colonial Province of New York and

782-494: The County Court. The Supreme Court and a law library occupy the fourth floor. Law enforcement is providing by the following departments: The Putnam County Sheriff's Office includes a Civil Bureau, patrol division, a marine unit, a motorcycle unit, a school resource unit, and a narcotics enforcement unit. The current Sheriff, Kevin McConville ( Republican Party ) was elected on November 3, 2021. The Sheriff's Department includes

828-735: The Hayt family, which built a farm called The Elm in 1720. Jacob Haviland settled in the Oblong in 1731 in what became known as Haviland Hollow. The first village in the county was Fredericksburg, now the hamlet of Patterson. During the American Revolution , the Philipses stayed loyal to the Crown. As a consequence, their lands were confiscated by the New York government. It sold the Philipse Patent along with

874-993: The Hudson Valley, throughout history. Between the hills and glacial moraine , Putnam County's valleys contain numerous wetlands (including part of the Great Swamp ), creeks, ponds, lakes (including the 583 acre Lake Mahopac , and reservoirs. Putnam County is known for its many pristine reservoirs, part of the New York City water supply system's Croton Watershed . These include Bog Brook in Southeast; Croton Falls Reservoir in Carmel and Southeast; Diverting Reservoir in Southeast; East Branch in Brewster; Middle Branch Reservoir in Southeast; West Branch in Kent and Carmel, and Boyds Corner Reservoir in Kent. There are also three controlled lakes in

920-646: The Justice Courts. The Supreme Court is the trial level court of the New York State Unified Court System , which presents some confusion as the Supreme Court is the highest court of appeals in the federal system as well as in most states, whereas the Court of Appeals is the highest court in New York. The Supreme Court has broad authority over all categories of cases, both civil and criminal. Generally

966-804: The Muscoot drains into the Amawalk Reservoir in the town of Somers , crossing about midway along its length into Westchester County. Upon leaving the Amawalk Reservoir via a spillway in the Amawalk Dam at the reservoir's southern end, the Muscoot is shortly joined by Hallocks Mill Brook from the west. Less than two miles later it flows into the northwestern reaches of the Muscoot Reservoir west of Whitehall Corners and northwest of Katonah, New York . The waters of Muscoot Reservoir then join with those of

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1012-548: The Patent was divided in 1754 into nine lots granted to three heirs: Mary Philipse, Philip Philipse, and Susannah Philipse Robinson. During the French and Indian War , many of the Wappinger went to Stockbridge, Massachusetts . Compared to other parts of the Hudson Valley , Putnam County had slow settlement. It was privately owned and settlement was limited to tenant farmers willing to pay

1058-481: The Philipse family for leases. Secondly, it was mostly hilly and rocky, making it unappealing to men looking for tillable cropland. Its use was generally limited to dairy farming and wood cutting. The first non-tenant settlers in the county were along its eastern edge. The ambiguous border with Connecticut attracted farmers from New England. They assumed that Philipse did not own the disputed area. Among early settlers were

1104-623: The Supreme Court in Putnam hears civil cases involving claims in excess of $ 25,000. While the Supreme Court has jurisdiction over criminal cases in most counties this is handled by the County Courts. In Putnam, however, the Supreme Court does exercise jurisdiction over some criminal cases. The County Court is authorized to hear all criminal cases that have occurred in the county as well as limited jurisdiction over civil cases. The County Court handles felony cases exclusively and shares jurisdiction with

1150-571: The advent of the railroad, namely the Harlem Line, which was built in the 1840s, connecting Putnam by rail to New York City. Originally there were four stations on the Harlem line in Putnam County: Brewster , Dykeman's , Towner's , and Patterson . Today only the Brewster and Patterson stops remain; a new one called Southeast was added in modern times. Putnam County played an important role in

1196-458: The city to search for sources in the Hudson Valley. In Putnam County, much of the farmland was flooded to create reservoirs as part of New York City's Croton Watershed . The abandoning of farms, the creation of reservoirs, and the preservation of the remaining open land resulted in scenic lands that drew large amounts of tourism from New York City. By the 20th century, improved roads brought vacationers from New York City. The Taconic State Parkway

1242-570: The county became a bedroom community . However, the prevalent rocky uplands and protection of Putnam county's reservoirs inherently limited development, as much of the land in the county is close to wetlands or reservoirs. Governmental operations in Putnam County are set forth in the County Charter, which was approved by the voters of the County in November 1977. The law-making and policy-making body of

1288-531: The county is an elected nine-member County Legislature. County laws, policies and regulations are administered on behalf of the County Legislature by an elected County Executive. The current County Executive is Republican Kevin M. Byrne (R) After serving the state of New York for 6 years as the Assemblyman of the 94th district, he won the Republican nomination for Putnam County Executive and then went unopposed in

1334-533: The county is generally hilly. The region of the county nearest the Hudson River is especially so, and is part of the Hudson Highlands . The highest point in Putnam County is Scofield Ridge, with four summits at approximately 1,540 feet (470 m) above sea level. The lowest point is sea level along the Hudson. The Hudson River, named for Henry Hudson , has provided transportation of goods from New York City, north to

1380-549: The county is included in the New York – Newark – Jersey City , NY– NJ – PA Metropolitan Statistical Area . Putnam County was formed in 1812 from Dutchess County and is named for Israel Putnam , a hero in the French and Indian War and a general in the American Revolutionary War . It is one of the most affluent counties in America, ranked 21st by median household income , and 43rd by per-capita income , according to

1426-515: The general election. Prior to the Charter form of government, the county's affairs were governed by a Board of Supervisors, with one Supervisor from each of the county's six towns having an equal vote. Since the towns had varying populations and such variance violated the principle of " one man, one vote ", a system of weighted voting among the Board of Supervisors was implemented, but proved to be unwieldy. It

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1472-543: The increasing population of the Southern Precinct of Dutchess County and the great distance of these communities from the county seat in Poughkeepsie , Putnam was split from Dutchess in 1812 and organized as an independent county. It encompassed all of the Philipse Patent and the Oblong abutting it, less a triangular area in the farthest northwest reach of the Patent. There, a lowland near Fishkill Creek isolated from

1518-496: The northernmost headwaters of the Muscoot River , a tributary of the Croton River in the Croton River watershed . Approximately one-half mile south of its dam its waters are joined by a small flow from Lake Mahopac, which shortly cross into Westchester County and drain into the Amawalk Reservoir in the town of Somers . Kirk Lake was originally much smaller than today. A dam was built in 1871, and substantially altered into

1564-510: The rest of Putnam County and its adjacent upland drainage leading into the Hudson Highlands to the south, were ceded to Dutchess. Putnam travelers mostly used boats and ships along the Hudson River. Boats transporting goods traveled up the Hudson to ports, mainly at Peekskill, New York . They were transported by road into Putnam County, or goods were unloaded in Putnam County at Cold Spring, New York . Such transport suffered in winter, when

1610-662: The rest of their holdings. The dispute over The Oblong was resolved in the aftermath of the war, with the heavily settled tract being incorporated as the first of two versions of the Town of Southeast. Also resolved were two "Gores", the Beekman Gore and the Rombout Gore, which being geographically similar to the Livingston and Beekman patents they abutted, were ceded by the Philipses to Dutchess County in 1758 and 1771 respectively. Due to

1656-527: The river froze. At that time, little food or goods could be shipped to the county. The Philipstown Turnpike was created in 1815 as a toll road from Cold Spring to Connecticut. The wagons that traveled the road would transport produce from eastern Putnam County and iron ore from the mines. The route of the turnpike can roughly be traced today: Rt 301 from Cold Spring to Farmers Mills Road, to White Pond Road to Pecksville, then Holmes Rd to Patterson, then Quaker Hill Rd to Connecticut. Transportation improved with

1702-700: The river's path at the Hudson Highlands . This generated a dispute over a roughly 2-mile-wide section of border between northern Westchester County , then-Dutchess County, and the Connecticut Colony, which came to be known as " The Oblong ". In 1737, the New York Colonial Assembly designated the Philipse Patent as the South Precinct of Dutchess County. The Philipses began leasing farms to migrants from Massachusetts , Connecticut , Long Island , and lower Westchester. After Adolph Philipse's death,

1748-581: The structure in the 1840s. It was recently extensively remodeled to preserve the structure and adapt it for use as the Surrogate's Court. The new Putnam County Courthouse opened on January 2, 2008. It was constructed at a cost of $ 22.8 million. Jury assembly, court clerks and a public law library are located on the first floor. The second floor includes a Family Court and hearing room. On all floors are judges' chambers, jury deliberation rooms, prisoner cells and conference rooms. The third floor has two courtrooms for

1794-401: The summer and fall, back door cold fronts move in from the north and bring thunderstorms, sometimes severe. Putnam County receives on average 36 inches of snowfall a year. According to the 2020 Census, there were 97,668 people and 38,713 households in the county, with 2.76 persons per household. The population density was 432.9 inhabitants per square mile (167.1/km ). 50.1% of the population

1840-507: The system in the town of Carmel, Kirk , Gilead , and Gleneida . The climate of Putnam County is humid continental , as is most of New York. In the winter, bouts of cold, dry air arrive from Canada, and interior sections of North America. In the summer, the Gulf Stream brings hot, moist, humid air to the county. Extratropical storms often affect the county; in the winter, Nor'easters bring heavy snow and rain, and sometimes high wind. In

1886-538: The town and village justice courts on misdemeanor cases and other minor offenses and violations. The County Court's jurisdiction on civil cases is limited to those involving less than $ 25,000. The Historic Putnam County Courthouse is located in the town of Carmel. Built in 1814 in Greek Revival style, it is the second oldest working courthouse in New York, second to the one in Johnstown . Portico and pillars were added to

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1932-463: Was $ 419,890, an increase of 12.1% from the prior year. The county has the following public school districts: Mahopac is the largest school district in Putnam County, educating more than 5,000 students in four elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school (1600 students). Saint Basil Academy , a private boarding facility, functioned as a private school with in-house instruction until 1997. The library system consists of eight libraries;

1978-421: Was 43.4 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 104,486, and the per capita income was $ 47,448. 5.2% of the population was in poverty. 93% of the population at least 25 years old had a high school degree or higher, and 39.6% had a bachelor's degree or higher. There were 38,713 housing units, 81.8% of which were owner occupied. As of Q4 2021, the median value of all homes in Putnam County

2024-486: Was constructed during the Great Depression as one of numerous infrastructure projects in the state and country. This brought more vacationers from the city, who were attracted to the scenic lands and the inexpensive hotels, inns, and summer houses. Putnam County's population doubled during the summer months. After World War II, Putnam County became an exurb of New York City. Rapid residential development occurred and

2070-465: Was female. The racial makeup of the county was 77.1% White alone, not Hispanic or Latino , 3.9% Black or African American , 0.5% Native American , 2.3% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 3.0% from other races , 1.8% from two or more races and 16.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race. 12.9% of the population was foreign born. 4.5% of the population was under the age of 5, 19.4% under the age of 18, and 18.0% were 65 years of age or older. The median age

2116-421: Was this imbalance which, among others factors, inspired the reorganization of County government under a charter form. The current members of the county legislature for the 2024 session include 8 Republicans and 1 Democrat: County Legislators are elected to three-year terms. Each single-member district contains approximately 10,500 people. Any person elected to the County Legislature on or after February 1, 2014,

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