Historic Goshen, bearing a biblical name, Goshen, dating from 1714, retains only slightly evidence of its physical beginnings but its historic role as a center or county government dates from 1727 when it became a half-shire town for Orange County as it was then laid out. Admits good farming land, it long enjoyed a leading position as a center of agriculture, especially dairying. The first milk shipped into New York City came from this area, with the advent of the Erie railroad in 1841, and Goshen butter became famous.

A focal point for the rallying of the militia the American Revolution, Goshen was also know as then for the location of both court and goal as well as the county government. Under the new dispensations of state government, the Town of Goshen (which included Chester and Sugarloaf) was established in 1789, and in 1798 Goshen became the County Seat, a role it still fills.

The Village of Goshen , however, was not incorporated until 1809. With the coming of the railroad, the hub of the village moved from Main Street to West Main street, to meet the tracks and to begin its activities as a commercial, industrial, and shipping center for the next 100 years. It also became a "bedroom community" for larger neighbors, including New York City, and for many years enjoyed a reputation as a home for railroad commuters, superseded now by car and bus commuters.
In the geographical center of Orange County, Goshen attracts thousands who have business with the county, who bank at any of its banking houses, and who do business with its retail stores and its professional people. The village and town present a blend of 18th century beginnings, 19th century achievements, and 20th century advances.

Walking Tour #1
1. Webster Park, 1984. Founded by Goshen Restoration Unlimited, Inc
2. Orange County Court House, 1841. Housed criminal and civil court sessions until 1970. Designed by Thorton M. Niven, eminent Hudson Valley Architect.
3. County Building, 1887. For years housed all the Orange County Government offices. Restored in 1990-91.
4. Minisink Memorial, 1862. Commemorates the 1779 sacrifice of local men and youth who fought in the Battle of Minisink in the Deerpark area.
5. Orange Blossom Monument, 1907. Memorializes the Orange Blossoms volunteers of the Civil War. Erected by Colonel Thomas W. Bradley of Walden, a youthful officer in the war.
6. Goshen United Methodist Church, 1884. Architecturally notable edifice with fine brickwork accented by terra cotta trim.
7. Orange Inn, 1790. First hotel, built on site of the 1737 Court House. From here Ulysses S. Grant watched horse races on Main Street.
8. Goshen Library and Historical Society, 1918. The building was made possible by a bequest from Charles Everett. Repository of local historical archives.
9. Maplewood, 1816. Residence of Ambrose Murray, it housed the National Bank of Orange County for years. Since 1976 it has been the Village Hall.
10. Hall of Fame of the Trotter, 1913. Originally a stable, it became a museum in 1951 for harness racing memorabilia.
11. Lawyers Row, circa 1840s and 1850s. Traditionally the offices of attorneys.
12. Historic Track and Park Place, 1838. First half-mile harness track in the U.S., it is on the National Register of Historic Places.
13. Goshen Inn, 1912. Built by Roland Harriman and other patrons of harness racing, the structure is an exact replica of an Elizabethan inn in Melbourne, England.
14. First Presbyterian Church, 1871. The altar's 3-panel Tiffany window was the gift of Gates McGarrah, an international banker who got his start in Goshen. The first church on this site was built in 1720.
15. Wisner Memorial, 1897. Raised in honor of the patriot Henry Wisner, delegate to the Continental Congress and opponent of the Constitution, by his granddaughter, Frances Wisner Murray.
16. St. James Episcopal Church, 1803. The fine stone chapel was rebuilt in 1812 following tornado damage.

Walking Tour #2
A. Town Hall, 1773. Incorporates the schoolhouse where Noah Webster taught in 1782-83, the predecessor of Farmer's Hall of Fame Academy, established in 1789. Now the seat of government for Goshen Township.
B. Goshen Healing Center, circa 1764. One of Goshen's oldest houses.
C. Everett Memorial, 1917. Erected in memory of the soldiers and sailors who served in the Civil War.
D. Edward Henry Harriman Fountain, 1911. Erected by the Orange County Horse and Road Improvement Association in Memory of E.H. Harriman.
E. Village Police Station, 1852. Originally the Erie Railroad Station, it was restored in 1987.
F. St. Charles Designs, circa 1900. Site of Goshen's first hospital, opened in 1908.
G. Dikeman Engine and Hose No. 3, 1880. First used by the Village Board, the building was taken over by the Dikeman fire company (established 1873) in 1885.
H. Purdy Hall, 1869. Originally a community meeting place, restored in 1986.
I. K.W. Sheeleigh Building, 1865. Constructed as a bank, restored in 1985.