"Newburgh is situated on the margin of the Hudson, on the face of its western bank, which rises from the water in wide terraces, and on the plain to which the terraces ascend. It presents a beautiful appearance from the water, or opposite shore, especially when lighted up by the morning sun, or by countless lamps at night. The natural scenery about Newburgh has an aspect of mingled grandeur and beauty, peculiar and unrivaled." (Nutt 49)

     Rain or shine, summer or winter, the Hudson Valley has a beautiful landscape, one that inspired its own style of painting and attracted the likes of Vanderbilt and Rockefeller to find summer respite. The Hudson River Valley gave rise to many towns and villages along its banks. Of these, Newburgh was the shining jewel. Besides giving birth to a city, the valley's rolling hills and greenery formed a canvas on which the young Andrew Jackson Downing, working in his father's nursery on Broad Street, planted the seeds of landscape architecture and the modern public park. The region hosted great architects such as Calvert Vaux, A.J. Davis, and Frederick Law Olmsted, and served as the laboratory of Thomas Edison.

     Beauty aside, the Hudson River was also the artery that fed the heart of the county's economy—New York City—and linked it to the rest of the land. At one time, Newburgh was the main node that linked the frontier and the city. The Hudson made Newburgh possible, but in this post-industrial economy, its beautiful waterfront, glorious buildings, and proximity to New York City haven't been able to salvage the city. However, signs of progress are peaking through the boarded up windows. The waterfront has recently been transformed, making it a destination where many Mid-Hudson Valley residents go to eat, drink, shop, and enjoy scenes such as the ones pictured above and those shown in the video clip.