Philipstown, officially on March 7, 1788, became a township; 91 years following Adolph's purchase from Dorlandt and Sybrant. It would be another 24 years before what is now Putnam County would break away from Dutchess County, becoming it's own entity. Incorporated in the new county was the old township, which continues to this day more vibrant than ever, having matured in character and substance through the wisdom of age.

The birth of Philipstown’s Town Hall had, however, been preceded in May 1864, with authorization from N.Y. State Legislature permitting Cold Spring Village to build a jail or “lock-up”. An amendment, in March 1866, to the above action, paved way for construction of a Town Hall (wherein would be housed a jail) situated in Cold Spring Village, an undertaking not to exceed $10,000. Pleasurably received a year later was an additional $3,500 with which to complete the handsome hall. Amazingly, at least by today’s standards, construction of the building had come in under budget, costing around $ 7,000.

Our Philipstown Town Hall has stood respectably in having instituted and sustained 13 plus decades of civic service to her town; village and county. She stands heroically as an historic shrine; allegiance to her calling having given testimony to her stamina and spirit on the “sane old hallowed ground” for 137 years.