Patterson in Putnam County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The War Monument

Patterson 200 Years

Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009

1. The War Monument Marker

Inscription. The War Monument
(World War I)
1917 – 1918
The Monument
Patterson was still a quiet country town at the beginning of the First World War. Although the State had begun to assume responsibility for the major roads through the area, three-way intersections like this one, more typical of wide turning horse-drawn wagons than automobiles, with triangular islands in the middle were still common. There was electric power in town and some people had telephones, but in many ways Patterson was a typical American small town, isolated from the outside world and especially from the passions and politics of Europe.

It is difficult for us to imagine the impact which the experience of the First World War had on the lives of the men whose names are listed on the south face of this monument and on the lives of their friends and families. Many had left home for the first time to fight in the largest conflict the world had yet seen. Three of them did not return. This monument was erected to all who served and it continues to be the focus of parades and Memorial Day ceremonies to this day.

The American Legion was formed in Paris in 1919 immediately after the end of the war. They adopted a constitution at their convention in St. Louis the same year which stated, among other things, that

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part of the Legion’s purpose was to “consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.” It is largely through the volunteer efforts of individual members of the Patterson Post of the Legion that this monument and the ground around it has been maintained.

A bronze tablet bearing the names of the individuals from town who fought in the Second World War was recently relocated from the former Legion Hall to the north face of the monument.

Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Landmarks • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 41° 30.837′ N, 73° 36.76′ W. Marker is in Patterson, New York, in Putnam County. Marker is at the intersection of New York State Route 311 and Maple Avenue, on the right when traveling west on State Route 311. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Patterson NY 12563, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Patterson Veterans Monument (here, next to this marker); Christ Church (a few steps from this marker); Ludington Graves (within shouting distance of this marker); Maple Avenue Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); District School No. 1 (within shouting distance

The War Monument Marker next to the War Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009

2. The War Monument Marker next to the War Monument

of this marker); Patterson Grange No. 939 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fellowship Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Patterson.

Also see . . . Patterson Historic District 2. (Submitted on November 28, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 667 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 28, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.