Esopus, New York

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Esopus, New York

Esopus is a town in Ulster County, on the west bank of the Hudson River opposite Kingston. The population was 9,548 at the 2020 census. The name comes from the Esopus Lenape people; it’s often said to mean “Wellspring of Creation” in Lenape.

Geography
- Total area: about 41.9 square miles (37.2 sq mi land, 4.6 sq mi water).
- Eastern edge lies along the Hudson River and borders Dutchess County; Rondout Creek forms the northern border and the Wallkill River forms the western border.
- Highest point: Hussey Hill (906 feet) in the Marlboro Mountains.
- Local lakes: Esopus Lake and Mirror Lake (in Ulster Park) and Louisa Pond (near Esopus, in the Shaupeneak Ridge area).
- The town center is Port Ewen. U.S. Route 9W runs along the eastern side of Esopus.

History and notable places
- Founded in 1811 from Kingston; parts later joined Kingston, Hurley, and New Paltz.
- The first known European trapper in the area was Christoffel “Kit” Davits. In the American Revolution, a colonial prison here was attacked and burned in 1777.
- Many historic sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Cumming-Parker House, Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, Col. Oliver Hazard Payne Estate, Poppletown Farmhouse, and the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Klyne Esopus Holy Cross Monastery.
- In the 19th century, wealthy families built grand summer homes along the Hudson River. Esopus has been home to notable people in the arts and public life, including Frances McDormand, Peter Dinklage, Sojourner Truth, and Floyd Patterson.
- In 1946, Esopus was considered as a possible site for the United Nations headquarters; the plan ultimately moved to Manhattan with funding from John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Government and services
- The town government includes a Supervisor and a Town Board (four council members), two justices, a highway superintendent, a clerk, and a tax collector.
- Town Supervisor: Danielle Freer (R). Town Council: Evelyn Clarke (D), Jared Geuss (R), Kathy Quick (D), Laura Robinson (D).
- Five fire districts serve the town: Connelly, Esopus, Rifton, St. Remy, and Port Ewen. Emergency medical services are provided by a volunteer ambulance corps.

Population and demographics
- 2000 census: 9,331 residents; 2010 census: 9,041; 2020 census: 9,548.
- The community is mostly White, with African American, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino residents making up smaller parts of the population.

Transportation
- The main north-south road is U.S. 9W. In the mid-20th century, the area was served by the New York Central railroad for passengers; since 1958 the line has been freight-only.