Stony Point is a town situated in the northeastern corner of Rockland County, New York, located within the Hudson Valley and the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the 2020 United States Census, the town's population was 14,813.
Geographically, the town is bounded to the north and west by Orange County, to the east by the Hudson River and Westchester County, and to the south by the Town of Haverstraw. The town's name is derived from a prominent projection into the Hudson River, which served as a significant site during the American Revolution.
Stony Point is characterized as the most rural of the county's five towns. It is served by several major transportation arteries, including U.S. Route 9W, U.S. Route 202, and the Palisades Interstate Parkway, which provides vital north–south access through the region.
History
During the American Revolution, the King's Ferry in Stony Point linked New York and the southern colonies with New England; it was used many times by General George Washington's Continental Army, and in 1781 Washington's French allies also used it on their way to the Battle of Yorktown.
The economy of the town improved upon the rediscovery of limestone deposits in the 19th century. The town of Stony Point was founded in 1865 from the northern part of the town of Haverstraw.
Battle of Stony Point During the American Revolution, defending the area of Stony Point was crucial. Even George Washington himself prioritized keeping Stony Point, along with the areas around it safe. The importance of controlling that area was crucial to the control of West Point, which is why Washington found taking back the area so important. Washington assigned Major Henry Lee and General Anthony Wayne as the men in charge, and knew the importance of controlling the area.
Having control of Stony Point would enable Washington to have the most effective line of communication between certain colonies. The geography of the town attributed into the advantages the area had to offer. For example, the rockiness and woods made it a good place to keep watch over the Hudson River. General Wayne planned his attack accordingly, and executed the attack effectively.
Stony Point was controlled by British troops, but Washington wanted control to help take down their strong naval forces. By taking control, the Americans would gain an advantage over the British for the remainder of the war. Although it wasn't a definitive battle, it still played a major role in the outcome of the American Revolution.
During the Battle of Stony Point, there were many different sources of weaponry. One of the main ones used was a bayonet. The British soldiers relied heavily on the sword on the end of their rifles, simply because it was more effective during the battle. Although it might seem ironic that a sword can out do a firearm, but the bayonets were extremely effective if soldiers were trained to use it. Also, the rifles at the time of the battle had flaws, such as it being too light. General Wayne took note of this, and advised his side to stay away from the use of rifles. He encouraged the use of muskets and bayonets for the same reasoning.
A possible contribution to the American cause in connection with the Battle of Stony Point was by an African-American slave named 'Pompey.' According to later writings by historian Benson Lossing and later repeated by others, Pompey realized the willingness of the American troops to go the extra mile for victory, which is why he offered to help. His duties were said to include selling and delivering food to the British, especially strawberries. He is said to have frequently spoken with British troops. After acquiring information from them, including the countersign to gain entry to the fort at night, he brought it to the American troops. This enabled General Wayne to attack the British in a night attack where they least expected it at Stony Point. Michael J. F. Sheehan, Senior Historian at the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site wrote that Pompey likely was a real person but this story of his contribution to the Patriot cause is a myth.In Sheehan, Michael J.F.(2016) "The Mythology of Stony Point, Journal of the American Revolution, November 3, 2016, retrieved May 12, 2023, unpaginated on the internet, Sheehan wrote that assuming Lamb did exist, "he is not once mentioned by anyone before, during, or after the battle, British or American." He wrote that "The idea of Lamb selling berries has two major stumbling blocks." First, "early June is not typical strawberry season in New York". Also, the British adjutant, Ensign Henry Hamilton, in the court martial of the fort commander testified that “Lt. Col. Johnson would not allow of a Countersign, either the Night of the Attack or any other.” According to Hamilton, no passwords would permit the entry, even of a friend, into the works at night.
Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 31.6 square miles (81.8 km2), of which 27.6 square miles (71.5 km2) is land and 4.0 square miles (10.3 km2), or 12.58%, is water.
The town is situated in the northern portion of the county. It is bounded to the north and west by Orange County and to the south by the Town of Haverstraw. The Hudson River forms the eastern border, with Westchester County located on the opposite shore.
Communities Communities and population centers are primarily concentrated within the corridor between the Palisades Interstate Parkway, which traverses the center of the town, and U.S. Route 9W, which parallels the Hudson River to the east.
To the west and northeast of the parkway, the landscape transitions into extensive protected parklands, including significant portions of Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain State Park. Consequently, residential and commercial development is largely focused within the eastern and central corridor, while the western interior of the town remains predominantly undeveloped.
The town of Stony Point contains several distinct hamlets and residential areas: NameTypeDescriptionStony PointHamletA hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located in the southern portion of the town, situated between the Palisades Interstate Parkway and U.S. Route 9W. As the town seat, it serves as the administrative center, housing the majority of municipal offices and the town's primary population center.Grassy PointHamletA hamlet situated on a peninsula extending into the Hudson River in the southeastern corner of the town.Tomkins CoveHamletA hamlet located in the northeastern part of the town along the Hudson River, characterized by its historic character and proximity to Bear Mountain State Park.Jones PointHamletA hamlet situated along the Hudson River; it is the easternmost and northernmost community in the town.Willow GroveCommunityA community located along the southern town line, primarily west of the Palisades Interstate Parkway. It encompasses Jessup Valley, a residential area surrounding Jessup Lake.Cedar FlatsCommunityA community situated northwest of the Stony Point hamlet, east of the Palisades Interstate Parkway and north of Willow Grove.BulsontownCommunityA community located east of Cedar Flats.DoodletownHamletAn abandoned hamlet situated in the northern corner of the town within Bear Mountain State Park. Located north of Jones Point, west of Iona Island, and southeast of the Orange County line, the community was vacated and dismantled in 1965.
Demographics
2000 census As of the census of 2000, there were 14,245 people, 4,832 households, and 3,802 families residing in the town. The population density was 511.7 inhabitants per square mile (197.6/km²). There were 4,951 housing units at an average density of 177.9 per square mile (68.7/km²).
The racial makeup of the town was 94.33% white, 1.27% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 1.29% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.66% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.84% of the population.
There were 4,832 households, of which 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.2% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. Individuals made up 17.3% of all households, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.33.
The population was spread out by age, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.0 males.
2020 census and estimates As of the 2020 United States censusStony Point town, Rockland County, New York, there were 14,813 people residing in the town. As of July 2024, the population was estimated to have increased to 14,986.
Economy
According to the 2024 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the Town of Stony Point maintains a robust local economy with a median household income of $126,958 and a median family income of $153,571. The per capita income for the town was recorded at $49,839. Economic earnings in the community show significant stability across middle-age demographics, with households headed by individuals aged 25 to 44 earning a median of $163,750, while those in the 45 to 64 age bracket earned a median of $158,958. Approximately 5.2% of the population lived below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those aged 65 or over.
The town's labor force is primarily employed in service-oriented and professional sectors. The largest employment industries include educational services, health care and social assistance, and retail trade. High-earning sectors within the town are led by utilities and public administration, both of which provide median annual earnings exceeding $131,000. The housing market reflects these economic trends, with an 85.2% homeownership rate and a median owner-occupied housing value of $525,900. For the rental market, the median gross rent in the town was $1,830 as of the most recent federal estimates.
Government The Town of Stony Point operates under a town council–supervisor form of government, common among towns in the state of New York. The legislative and executive authority of the town is vested in the Town Board, which consists of a Town Supervisor and four Councilmembers. The Town Board is responsible for setting policy, adopting the town budget, and overseeing municipal operations.
Stony Point maintains a range of municipal departments and boards that support local governance, including planning and zoning boards, a police department, and various administrative offices. These entities work under the authority of the Town Board to provide services such as public safety, infrastructure maintenance, land use regulation, and community services.
Public safety Public safety in the Town of Stony Point is provided through a coordinated system of law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services. These services are delivered by a combination of municipal and volunteer agencies, working together to respond to emergencies, protect life and property, and support the well-being of residents and visitors.
Stony Point Police Department The Stony Point Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the Town of Stony Point. The department provides police services including patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing. It operates from its headquarters at 79 Route 210 and serves the town in coordination with county and state law enforcement agencies.
History