Boonville
Monday, July 7, 2025
Boonville’s often overlooked collection of commercial, industrial, and residential architecture reflects its role as a key transportation hub for the Black River Valley during the 19th century. As the nexus for turnpikes, railroad lines, and a canal, Boonville’s industry grew exponentially during this period and contributed to an enduring collection of Federal, Gothic Revival, Second Empire, and Italianate-style buildings that today comprise its stellar National Register Historic District. Situated on the Black River Canal and the New York Central railroad, this busy community witnessed an industrial evolution from sawmills to small-scale furniture and textile manufacturing to dairy farming throughout the 19th and early 20th century. Iconic buildings like the early-19th-century Hulbert House, which still stands in the town square, was a notable turnpike inn, later hotel, and today is a multi-use space housing a brewery taproom and apartments. On this outing, we will enjoy an expert-led guided walking tour of Boonville’s downtown as well as visits to the Erwin Library, Dodge Pratt Northam Art Center, Hulbert House, and more.
This tour will be led by Boonville Town Historian James Pitcher and staff from the Erwin Library and Dodge Pratt Northam Art & Community Center. The tour starts at 10 AM and ends around 3 PM.
The fee is $60 for AARCH members and $75 for non-members. Lunch provided by the Broadway Café & Bakery is included
Please note that this outing includes one mile of walking on paved sidewalks and involves navigating stairs.
Photo courtesy of Dodge Pratt Northam Art & Community Center.