The first settlers arrived here in the early 1700's, they found mostly peaceful Indians. These settlers were Palatines from Germany. They were followed by the Dutch, then the Scottish-Irish and then, the English. Many of the Irish came in the mid 1800's, followed by the Italians at the turn of the century.<br> Originally, Montgomery was called "Ward's Bridge", because James Ward, an early miller, constructed the first bridge across the Wallkill River, which flows northward around the village. The bridge made it convenient for farmers to bring their grains to his mill.<br> The settlement has always been a bustling hamlet, boasting the earliest post office between Goshen and Kingston, even before Newburgh.<br> The name was changed to Montgomery when soldiers returned from the Revolutionary War battlefields requesting a tribute to General Richard Montgomery, a gallant Irish-American who offered his life in the battle of Quebec, Canada. He led the colonists in their fight for freedom against the oppressor, England. In honor of him, the newly chartered village and the township in which it lies were renamed.<br> Villagers invite you to appreciate this previously agricultural setting, patronize their businesses and enjoy festive events with them, as their forefathers have done for 200 years.