Okaxge County 517 



for several of the Mates. The mint was abandoned on the adop- 

 tion of the United States Constitution, as the care of this business 

 was then given to the federal government. 



Orange Comity was the birthplace of George Clinton, the first 

 governor under the state constitution, and of his nephew, Governor 

 DeWitt Clinton. William Henry Seward, the celebrated states- 

 man, and Benjamin B. Odell, former governor of the state, were 

 also born within the county. 



The excellent advantages for commutation to New York City 

 have made this section a favorite place of residence for New York 

 business men, and for those desiring a rural home near the city. 



DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY 



"Wheat and corn were the earliest crops grown in this section, 

 while flax was grown for the manufacture of clothing. Con- 

 siderable attention was given to sheep and cattle raising. Butter 

 and cheese were largely produced and Orange County butter came 

 to have a wide reputation. 



The improvement in transjjortation, brought about by the build- 

 ing of the Erie Railroad, and the increasing demands of Xew 

 York City, led the farmers to give greater attention to the 

 production of market milk. The first milk train was run through 

 this county over the Erie road, in 1847. At first the dairies were 

 generally small and much of the land was given over to the 

 growing of general farm crops. Later, dairying took on a larger 

 aspect, and there are now many pure-bred dairies of prominence 

 within the county. Forage crops were generally raised, while 

 the grain was purchased. Under the present abnormal condi- 

 tions, high prices of feed have induced many farmers to apply 

 a greater acreage to the production of grain. 



The first cooperative creamery for shipping milk to Xew York 

 City was established in Orange County. The cream and Xeuf- 

 chatel grades of cheese were originated by Mr. Lawrence, the 

 owner of the Chester Cheese Company. The Monroe Cheese 

 Company, at Monroe, are large manufacturers of cheese of & 

 high quality. 



Throughout the history of Orange County the most important 

 agricultural area has been the central belt. The eastern slope of 



