This 1842 engraving shows the village of Newburgh when it was still part of the town.
By Nancy Peckenham
The idea of the city of Newburgh giving up its charter as a way of dealing with its pressing fiscal woes has prompted a positive response from city historian Mary McTamaney.
Asked about the idea that was introduced by city councilwoman Marge Bell at a meeting on Tuesday, McTamaney said that she would welcome the city and town of Newburgh being reunited by a commercial corridor, Broadway.
A bird's eye view of Newburgh, circa 1900.
McTamaney noted that the city and the town used to be one municipality back more than 150 years ago. Newburgh was charted as a town in 1788 and twelve years later, the village of Newburgh, encompassing the area along the river, was formed.
According to city records, some 6,000 people lived in the village in 1840. It remained part of the town of Newburgh until 1865, when it received a city charter.
What would a reunited town and city look like? McTamaney said that both could benefit. “We could have efficiency of services,” she noted. “You could revitalize the city area and grow in the town. We were one, we knew each other well and grew apart.”
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