New Lebanon (New York)

New Lebanon is in Columbia County, New York, on the border with the Berkshire County, Massachusetts. New Lebanon was the main spiritual home of the Shakers, a Christian sect who practice a celibate and communal lifestyle, pacifism, uniform charismatic worship, and equality of the sexes. They are also known for their simple living, architecture, technological innovation, and furniture.

Understand
New Lebanon is in Upstate New York. It began as a community in Canaan, from which it split of from in 1818. Canaan is now a separate town to the south. To the east of New Lebanon is Hancock, Massachusetts, to the north is Stephentown, and to the west is Chatham. The hamlet of West Lebanon borders the northwest portion of the town, and the hamlet of East Chatham - which is part of Canaan and Chatham - lies to the southwest. To the northwest is Nassau, including the village of East Nassau. The town has several historic sites, the most notable being the remnants of Mount Lebanon Shaker Village. The town was also the birthplace of New York governor and US presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden.

Get in
The major roads through New Lebanon are US Route 20, County Routes 5, 9, and 34, and New York Route 22. Other than motor vehicle travel in, bus tickets can be purchased at reasonable prices.

Route 20 is the primary street by which to enter West Lebanon. County Route 9, coming from East Chatham, merges into Route 20 in West Lebanon.

Get around
Motor vehicle is the easiest means of travel, and cycling is also possible.

West Lebanon is situated on US Route 20, so taking this highway will get you through the town.

Go next
Visit the nearby New York towns of Canaan, Chatham, Nassau, and Stephentown. Hancock, Massachusetts, is also a short drive away, bordering New Lebanon. It can be reached by US Route 20.