Welcome to Walton, New York, a friendly country community where people can work, play, visit, and live in a rural, safe, and inviting environment. Comfortably lying along the banks of the Delaware River in Delaware County, Walton is nestled in the Catskill Mountains, just two and a half hours from the New York Metropolitan Region.

Walton is the "Scarecrow Capital of the World"!

WALTON'S MAGIC MILE

map of heartwalk route

Tree-lined streets with one-family homes typify the friendly neighborhoods in Walton. Many homes are Victorian style and invite memories of an era when life was less hectic and people took the time to enjoy their homes and neighbors.

The Magic Mile was developed in cooperation with HeartWorks Plus of Delaware County, Walton Chamber of Commerce, Sidney Federal Credit Union, and Delaware Valley Hospital.

The "MILE" offers walkers an opportunity to see many of Walton's historic sites, as well as a variety of community businesses.
Quotes to Consider

'"Walton's Magic Mile is a nice opportunity for area residents and visitors to go outdoors and enjoy the Village."
Senator John J. Bonacic, 40th Senate District, New York Sate Senate
Opening day of the Magic Mile

"It is widely known that physical inactivity independently increases the risk for coronary heart disease. Thus, it is imperative that we promote fitness and health in our communities. Walton's Magic Mile provides members of the community with an excellent opportunity to regularly engage in exercise habits that will improve their cardiovascular health. I encourage and challenge both residents and visitors to take advantage of this scenic walkway through the heart of Walton."
Clifford W. Crouch, Member of Assembly, 122nd District, New York State Assembly

 "Fitness and fun, and right in the heart of Walton. The Magic Mile is a terrific addition to Walton's many recreational opportunities. The MILE takes you through the beautiful historic district and past beautiful Victorian homes. Follow the native bluestone signs for an invigorating and enjoyable walk."
Carl Vogel, Former Mayor of Walton
"How fortunate we are to have the Magic Mile! Not only are Walton residents and visitors able to exercise; they are also able to view some of the truly historic landmarks. What a great opportunity for people to exercise their hearts and learn about Walton's rich history."
John W. Meredith
Walton Town Supervisor

"I want to express my thanks and gratitude to all of the organizations and individuals who put in the time, resources and energy to put the HeartWorks Plus program together. Not only does it serve as a tool to make us all aware of the importance of our health, it also provides a 'path' for us to follow to increase our healthy hearts. I enjoy seeing the townsfolk walk the Mile knowing that they, too, share a desire to live healthier and happier lives. Keep up the good work."
Joseph Hanley, Former Walton Town Supervisor

History of Walton
The Town of Walton was formed March 17, 1797 by an act of the New York State Legislature. Previously, it had been a part of the Town of Franklin. In 1810, River Street, which later became Delaware Street, and Gardiner Place were the only two streets in Walton.

Buildings and homes often were moved to new sites around the town. They were jacked up on rollers or skids and dragged by teams of horses or oxen to their new locations.

HISTORIC SITES TO ENJOY
WHILE YOU WALK THE MAGIC MILE
Landmarks researched by Beatrice G. Bennett, Historian
An 1884 Town Hall and Opera House on this site burned in 1910. In 1912 this structure was built and is now the Walton Theatre and Village Hall.
This former large and beautiful private residence known as the Knapp House now contains the Walton Post Office.
Former location of the Walton Reporter Company, 31 Gardiner Place. The building was quarter-turned and a modern front built on to it. .Jetur Gardiner lived here while a large house was being built for him on the site where the Walton Central High School is today,
A one-room log schoolhouse occupied this site until it was torn down and replaced with another one-room schoolhouse. Eventually, that school was moved to Mead Street and replaced with a two-room schoolhouse. The building was later moved to Delaware Street, approximately where the exit from the Walton Big M is located today. The Walton Library was built in 1896-97 from bluestone quarries found only within a 60-mile radius of Walton. Funds for the library were provided by an endowment from William B. Ogden, Walton native and former mayor of Chicago.
The Library, Post Office and Theatre are listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Christ Episcopal Church and Parsonage, located on Gardiner Place
38 North St., the Ralph Kilpatrik House. This building was turned a quarter way for two streets to meet, Benton Avenue and North Street.
This corner house, North And Gardiner Place, was a millinery shop.
Johnson House, 47 North Street, was made from two houses that previously were located on Mead Street
Smith's Tavern was moved from the east corner of Bridge and Delaware Streets in 1890 to its present location at 51 Mead Street, where it serves as an apartment house. Originally it was called "Arlinton Flats."
Townsend School-the land belonged to the Townsend Family and the original house was moved next to the brook on Griswold Street. The Judge Sewell House and barn were used as a workshop for Agricultural students, Home Economics and the Music Department. The Dr. Bartlett House was used for classrooms and the White house, also called the Shinn House, contained the music classes and cafeteria in the 1940's.
Congregational Church, built in 1840. The parsonage of the church was moved to Mead Street next to West Brook.
14 Mead Street was built for a boarding house in 1860. The dining room seated 24 people.
This corner house at North and Platt Streets was known as the Burger House. Meat was sold from a refrigeration unit contained in the cellar.
75 North Street was a millinery store and shop of Miss Emma B. Brisack.
83 North Street is known as the Fancher House. Colonel Platt Townsend built this house.
84 North Street, the Bessie Shackelton House, was built in September 1862 by Nathaniel Curtis Eells.
Methodist Church, built in 1840. The first church was located on the corner of Townsend and East Streets at the site of the current Townsend Street Market.
United Presbyterian Church, North and East Streets, began as a small church. There is no record of when this current building was constructed.
108 North Street, site of Robert North log cabin, it is the third house on this site. The current house was built in 1885 and was a gift from William B. Ogden to the two granddaughters of Robert North. Ogden had been in love with the third sister, who died before their marriage.
No. 111 North Street, Junus H. Eells-carriage maker .
Townsend Street Market, Townsend and East Streets. This was the original site of the Methodist Church.
No. 91 Townsend Street, formerly Foreman's Store and later Wakeman Grocery.
66 Liberty Street was the former Constable Maturity Home.
60 Liberty Street.
The original house at the corner of Liberty and Mead was cut-up to make two houses. One part of the house was moved to 45 Mead Street, now Wallace Bag Company, and the other half was moved to 32 Mead Street. The house had been built of thick hemlock planks from the tannery on Mead Street; David More planned to build a new home on the site.
This house at 31 Liberty Street was formerly located behind the Congregational Church on North Street
Extend your heart healthy walk with a shopping tour on Delaware Street and enjoy the variety of shops with crafts, antiques, clothing, and other items of interest.
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