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larger neighbors, including New York City, and for many years enjoyed a reputation as a home for railroad commuters, superseded now by car and bus commuters.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.