The 1957 Pocket Directory and Indexed Map of Yorktown New York

Following  is a brief history of Yorktown from the centerfold of the booklet. Some of the "facts" presented in this essay are disputed by our historians, however it is indicative of the type of promotion issued by Chambers of Commerce in the mid-20th Century. 

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN

"Yorktown was named in honor of the American victory at Yorktown, Virginia. While no major Revolutionary battles were fought here, Yorktown has a rich historical heritage. During the Revolution, cowboys and skinners let raids throughout the town. The French army camped in Yorktown, and Gen. Rochambeau had his headquarters here. Major Andre ate his last meal before his capture at a house on Hanover Road. George Washington and many great figures of the Revolution rode through many times.

"Yorktowners point proudly to the Presbyterian Church, burned by the British because it was an arsenal; French Hill, the spot on the Croton River where the British crossed to kill Col. Greene and Maj. Flagg; and to the Lee Homestead, then a tavern where officers of both sides stayed.

"A Yorktown Historical Society was formed in 1956 to protect and restore the famous sites which are the tangible evidence of Yorktown's historical heritage.

"Yorktown has a large and very active Chamber of Commerce organized for the purpose of advancing the commercial, industrial and civic interests of the Town. It is non-partisan, non-sectional and takes no part in lending its influence to the election of candidates for State, County or Town office.

"Since its organization in 1938, the Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in many striking improvements--such as a plan for the Town of Yorktown, the parkway overpass, house numbering and the re-naming of streets, better traffic light system, better refuse collection, sewerage surveys, better service on railroad and bus lines, and better parking facilities."

--AURELE E. THOMAS

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