Hudson Falls, New York

Hudson Falls, New York
Name	Hudson Falls, New York
Settlement type	Village
Pushpin label	Hudson Falls
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New York
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Washington
Subdivision type3	Town
Subdivision name3	Kingsbury
Established title	Settled
Established date	1760s
Established title1	Incorporated (village)
Established date1	1810
Government type	Mayor-Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	John Barton
Area total km2	5.0
Area land km2	4.8
Area water km2	0.2
Population as of	2020
Population total	7,281
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Eastern (EST)
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	12839
Area code	518
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	36-35971
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	0953208
Website	hudsonfallsny.gov

Hudson Falls, New York. Hudson Falls is a village located within the town of Kingsbury in Washington County, New York. Situated on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, it is part of the Glens Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. Historically an industrial center, the community has evolved into a residential and commercial hub for the surrounding region.

History

The area was originally part of the Kingsbury Patent and was settled in the 1760s, initially known as Sandy Hill. Its development was driven by the water power of the Hudson River, particularly at the falls that gave the village its later name. The community was incorporated as the Village of Sandy Hill in 1810 and officially renamed Hudson Falls in 1910. The 19th century saw significant industrial growth, anchored by the Finch, Pruyn & Company paper mill, which became a major employer and economic driver for decades. The village was also a site on the Delaware and Hudson Railway, facilitating the transport of goods. In the late 20th century, the community faced economic transitions with the decline of heavy manufacturing, leading to redevelopment efforts on former industrial sites like the Hudson River Mill.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 5.0 square kilometers, of which 4.8 square kilometers is land and 0.2 square kilometers is water. The village is bordered to the west by the Hudson River, with the Feeder Dam and associated falls located within its boundaries. It is adjacent to the city of Glens Falls to the north and is part of the Adirondack Park gateway region. Major transportation routes include New York State Route 4 and U.S. Route 4, which run concurrently through the village, providing connections to Albany and Vermont.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 7,281. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density was approximately 1,517 people per square kilometer. The median household income was below the state average, with a portion of the population living below the federal poverty line. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, with a mix of older structures from its industrial peak and more modern developments.

Economy

Historically dominated by paper manufacturing, the economy has diversified. The former Finch, Pruyn & Company mill, now owned by International Paper, remains a significant industrial presence. Other major employers include General Electric in nearby facilities and the Hudson Falls Central School District. The village's commercial sector is centered along U.S. Route 4, featuring national retailers like Price Chopper and local businesses. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on the Hudson River Mill redevelopment project and promoting small business growth in the downtown area.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the village include Charles Evans Hughes, former Chief Justice of the United States and Governor of New York, who practiced law here early in his career. Baseball player John H. "Jack" Doyle, who played for the New York Giants and others in the late 19th century, was born here. James H. Banks, a Medal of Honor recipient for actions during the American Civil War, was a resident. Contemporary figures include musician Mike Campese and artist Tommy Watkins.

Education

Public education is provided by the Hudson Falls Central School District, which operates Hudson Falls High School, Hudson Falls Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is a member of the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at Adirondack Community College in Queensbury and SUNY Adirondack. The Crandall Public Library district, based in Glens Falls, serves the community with a branch location in the village.

Category:Villages in Washington County, New York Category:Populated places on the Hudson River Category:1810 establishments in New York (state)