Please be careful on these 4 corners. Safe for those on foot using the sidewalks. It is just a very busy intersection.
These 4 corners are each brimming with history. From Washington's troops to Pye's Corner, but my favorite is the DeClark gristmill across the street. Story goes that at this gristmill, which sat next to the creek, the last witch in New York State was tried. Rumors, though most likely untrue, say she was hung here or burned at the stake.
From the words of John Scott (on RocklandHistory.org): "An old woman who lived alone and had odd characteristics was often suspect, especially during a period of unexplained happenings: a cow acting strangely and refusing to give milk, butter that would not churn properly, seizures, strange illnesses and accidents. Jane “Naut” Kanniff, the widow of a Scottish physician and a stranger to Clarkstown, fit the mold perfectly. She became known locally as a sorceress, and was thought to be influenced by the devil, therefore causing much mischief in the hamlet known today as West Nyack." Jane went through a trial. Her hands and feet were bound and she was tossed into the creek. She neither floated or downed and therefore the trial was inconclusive and they let her live.
This cache, along with others in West Nyack, is part of my Girl Scout Gold Award Project. The goal of my project is to encourage people of all ages to get outdoors, explore and learn some local history. I very much hope you enjoy my caches and help to teach others this activity that I love so much.
This cache has been planted with permission from the Town of Clarkstown, permit number 22.