Middlesex, NY

Middlesex is a town in Orange County, New York, United States. The population was 9,814 at the 2010 census. Middlesex is part of the Poughkeepsie– Newburgh– Middletown, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The town of Middlesex was first settled around 1798 by a group of Dutch farmers who purchased land from the Mohawk Indians. The area was known as "the Meadows" because of its many meadows and streams. In 1802, the town was incorporated and named for Middlesex County in England. The early settlers were subsistence farmers who raised livestock and crops.

In 1825, Samuel Slater opened a cotton mill in Middlesex which became one of the largest textile mills in America. Slater's Mill played an important role in developing the economy of Middlesex and Orange Counties. During the late 19th century, many new businesses were established in Middlesex including a bank, hotel, newspaper office and two movie theaters.

Today, Middlesex is home to several businesses including a medical center, restaurants and shops. The town also has several historic buildings including the Samuel Slater House (now used as a museum), Old Stone Church (built in 1797) and Slater Mill Historic District (which includes Slater's Mill).