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Katonah | Frances Duncombe

Katonah | Frances Duncombe

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Katonah: The History of a New York Village and its People

ISBN-13 9780960171019
Author Frances R. Duncombe
Format Trade Paperback
Publisher Katonah Village Improvement Society
Publication Date June 1961 (1997 Reprint)
Page Count 515
Subjects Local History, Genealogy, New York State History

Extended Synopsis

Katonah: The History of a New York Village and its People provides a meticulous and evocative account of the development of a unique Westchester County community. Frances R. Duncombe masterfully chronicles the village’s origins, documenting the lives of early settlers and the profound impact of the railroad on local growth. Perhaps most notably, the book details the extraordinary late 19th-century relocation of the entire Katonah village to make way for the creation of the New Croton Reservoir—a massive undertaking that tested the community's resilience and redefined its physical and cultural identity.

By blending social, economic, and environmental history, Duncombe offers a comprehensive narrative that stretches from colonial land grants to the challenges of modern development. This authoritative text does more than record local events; it provides vital insights into how small American communities adapt to urbanization and external pressures. With its extensive genealogical charts, cemetery registries, and archival documentation, this work serves as an essential resource for historians, genealogists, and residents alike.

Reader Targeting

  • Local historians and regional researchers focused on New York State development.
  • Genealogists seeking comprehensive ancestral data and family records from Westchester County.
  • Readers fascinated by stories of community resilience, environmental history, and the evolution of American village life.

About the Author

Frances R. Duncombe wrote this definitive history in collaboration with the Historical Committee of the Katonah Village Improvement Society. Her work stands as the gold standard for regional historical documentation, reflecting deep research and a commitment to preserving the heritage of Katonah.

Accolades & Awards

Considered a vital resource in its field, this book is widely respected for its meticulous detail and its contribution to the understanding of broader trends in American migration, community building, and regional heritage.


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