Carmel

The town of Carmel is on the south border of Putnam County. There are 38,000 residents that reside in the Town of Carmel.  The Town also includes three hamlets, Carmel, Mahopac and Mahopac Falls. In addition to being part of the Hudson Valley Region, the Town of Carmel holds many beautiful parks and lakes.

The Town of Carmel includes several registered historical sites such as the Gilead Cemetery, the Old Red Mills Historic Park, the Putnam County Courthouse and the Reed Memorial Library, nestled near the picturesque Lake Gleneida.

HISTORY

This land of Carmel was originally inhabited by Indians of the Wappingers tribe, who, in 1691 sold the property to Dutch traders. In 1697, a wealthy New York merchant, Adolph Philipse purchased the trader’s land and was granted a patent from King William III of England for the entire tract of land which is now Putnam County. Settlers who began arriving here in 1720 became tenants of the Philipse family or of the Indians.

Also, on the night of April 26th, 1777, sixteen year old Sybil Ludington made her now famous horseback ride through Carmel and Kent summoning her father’s “Ludington’s Regiment” to repulse a British attack on Danbury, CT.

After the American Revolution, the lower section of Dutchess County was split off into several new towns that would later become Putnam County in 1812. One of these towns was Carmel which was founded in April, 1795. Carmel and the surrounding area remained primarily farmland until the mid-nineteenth century.

In the early to mid-nineteenth century, Carmel and in particular, Lake Mahopac, became a popular vacation spot for city dwellers that had discovered the area’s beautiful lakes and rural charm. Beginning in 1834, hotels, boarding houses and cottages sprang up along the lakeshore allowing throngs of visitors to enjoy swimming, boating, skating and all sorts of summer and winter activities. The Mahopac Hotel, Thompson House, Dean House and Forest House were among the largest and most popular hotels. A branch of the Harlem Division Railroad arrived in 1871 making the journey from New York City to Mahopac more convenient. The New York City and Northern Railroad was built through Carmel in 1880 and included five stations within the town.

At the county seat in the hamlet of Carmel, the Webster Act of 1893 resulted in many homes and buildings being moved off the lakeshore of Lake Gleneida. Finally, the West Branch and Croton Falls Reservoirs were completed in 1898 and 1911 respectively.

COFFEE & COMMERCE

If you're looking for made to order breakfast, and peaceful views of Lake Gleneida, check out Millie's.

Millie's Cafe

Another local favorite with lake views is Limni Mediterranean Kitchen.

Limni Mediterranean Kitchen

RECREATION

Aside from the countless water activities, such as, boating and swimming,  provided by the few lakes in the area, there are many parks to engage in other outdoor activites.

The Jimmy McDonough Memorial Park complex is located at the end of Angela Drive off of Long Pond Road. It features three football/soccer fields, one ninety-foot diamond, one sixty-foot diamond and an extreme skate park. This facility also has rest rooms and a food concession. It is open from late March to November.

Town of Carmel Parks

EDUCATION

Carmel Central School District provides a high quality education for students within a pristine suburban setting. The District encompasses 85 square miles and serves approximately 5,000 students from six different towns.

Carmel Central School District has three elementary schools housing students in grades kindergarten through fourth; a middle school for students in grades five through eight; and a high school for students in grades nine through twelve.

All District residents can take advantage of several school district opportunities such as school plays, concerts, athletic and special events. Senior Citizens are welcome to attend all school events free of charge. The Carmel Continuing Education Program is designed to promote life-long learning. Sessions are offered in the fall and the spring and include courses in computers, business, arts & crafts, gardening, music, fitness and more.

Carmel School District

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Additional information for the town of Carmel, including public safety, government, and resources, can be found on their website.

Town of Carmel