Book excerpt: Located in the heart of Orange County, the city of Middletown was first settled c. 1760. The hamlet became a village in 1848 and a city in 1888. Long noted for its dairy farming, Middletown gained its reputation as a railroad center beginning in 1843 with the coming of the New York & Erie Rail Road. That reputation remained until 1957, when Middletown's other major railroad, the famed New York, Ontario & Western Railway, was abandoned. With more than two hundred historical images, Middletown celebrates the people, places, and event that over the years helped shape this progressive community. Picture are period street scenes, homes by noted local architect Frank Lindsey, Clemson Park with is famous Japanese garden, and highly ornate buildings that are still in use, such as the Orange County Community College and the Middletown Thrall Library. All of these centered around a thriving business district, strong industries, and up-to-date transportation.