The community of Millerton formed after 1851, and the village was incorporated in 1875.
Irondale
The Millerton Iron Company established itself nearby in an area known as Irondale and was served by a telegraph address in Millerton. The foundry had two Cooper hot blast stoves and produced car-wheel pig iron with a 12,000 ton capacity in 1890. The plant was established in 1854 and by 1882 employed approximately 150 people. Irondale was served by a general store, company owned grist mill, and post office. A historical marker commemorates the Irondales Cemetery.
Economic cycle and development
Millerton's life cycle is explained in the New York Times article "" from the perspective of a lifelong-citizen, Phil Terni, who has lived in Millerton for more than 65 years. Terni describes Millerton's early prosperity as "an agricultural crossroads with three hotels served by three railroads", and then described the village's decline as the milk processing plant shut down and the farms had started shutting down. Millerton's revival as "a rural village with urban influences from nearby towns and boroughs" is shown through the vibrant arts, culture and new small businesses along U.S. Route 44.
Geography
Millerton is located in northeastern Dutchess County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of, of which, or 0.50%, is water. The closest rail station is now Wassaic station to the south. The town formerly had its own station on the Harlem Line.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 925 people, 375 households, and 232 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,470.4 people per square mile. There were 412 housing units at an average density of 654.9 per square mile. The racial makeup of the village was 93.51% White, 2.27% African American, 0.32% Native American, 1.30% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.41% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.89% of the population. There were 375 households out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couplesliving together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.09. In the village, the population was spread out with 24.4% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.9 males. The median income for a household in the village was $36,176, and the median income for a family was $46,458. Males had a median income of $27,279 versus $29,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,220. About 7.7% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.7% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.
Arts and culture
The village hosts several foodie destinations, such as Manna Dew, the Oakhurst Diner, 52 Main Street, the Millerton Inn and a farmers market, all featuring the produce of dozens of local farms and vineyards. There is a recording studio and music school, "the music cellar", right on the bike path, or "rail trail". The Movie House features foreign films, live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera, and a cafe/gallery dubbed as one of the "best hipster hangouts" by readers. Millerton has a number of art galleries, artist studios, and hosts the annual "Spring for Art" festival each May. The community is served by weekly newspaper The Millerton News.
