Who we are

Continental Village is rich in historic significance dating back to prerevolutionary times. It is frequently referred to in recounting this very critical time in America’s history, being mentioned primarily, as a quartering and storage area, yet it was the scene of several battles during the Revolutionary War. It was originally known as Continentalville, however, the name of the area was changed to Continental Village approximately fifty years prior to the American Revolution.

The specific are which is now Continental Village, comprising 2,000 acres, was originally a portion of some 87,000 acres which was purchased by Stephanus Van Cortlandt from the Indians and was owned by Colonal Pierce Van Cortlandt during the Revolution. Colonel Van Cortlandt, a great grandson of Stephanus, was a friend and confidant of General George Washington.

In 1886 the property was purchased by Stuyvesant Fish, Sr., who served as a Congressman from New York during the period around the turn of the century. The property remained in the Fish family until the 2,000 acres was purchased by Norman K. Winston-Arnold Holzer Associates in September of 1946, for the purpose of developing the area into a residential community.

To perpetuate the relationship between the area and the Revolution the streets in the Village were named after military leaders who fought in the area during the War. Also, Gallows Hill Road derived its name from the historic fact that on the crest of the hill several British spies were executed.

For a period of time prior to the Winston-Holzer purchase the massive buildings around the Village Green served as a model dairy and later as the Cinnabar Dude Ranch which leased the buildings from Stuyvesant Fish, Jr. in 1940.

As the area began to be developed under the discretion of Continental Village, Inc., it became apparent that there was a necessity for an organization which would address itself to the many needs and problems of this rapidly growing area. Therefore, in 1948, the Continental Village Property Owners Association was formed and incorporated. From its inception the Association has been a voice of the residents striving toward the goal of making Continental Village a better place to live.

In 1966 the Continental Village Park District was formed by the towns of Cortlandt, Philipstown, and Putnam Valley.