Town of Amenia   Distance to NYC: 50 miles Area: 41.10 square miles   Dr. Thomas Young, a settler, gave the town its name, meaning “pleasant to the eye.” Amenia is one of Dutchess County’s first towns, founded in 1788. Known in the 19th century as the “milky way” for its many dairies, Amenia’s first settlers were Palatines from Germany, French Huguenot and New Englanders seeking land and religious freedom. Growth was spurred by travel along the Harlem Valley by road and rail. An economy based upon iron and agriculture gave way into the 20th century to state services, soil mining and a new wave of agriculture including animal breeding and viticulture. Amenia today is the annual host of the World Peace Festival. The hamlet includes the communities of So. Amenia, Amenia Union, Leedsville, Smithfield and Wassaic.   Historic sites include the 1847 Smithfield Church, Winegar Home in Amenia, Troutbeck, where Townthe NAACP was founded and the original Bordon Milk Factory in Wassaic.   Educational Facilities The Webatuck School District and Dover School District services parts of Amenia. Kildonian School, is a private day and boarding school for dyslexic students.   Recreational Facilities Some points of interest in Amenia include The Cascade Winery, Harlem Valley Rail Trail and the Wassaic State Forest. The Cascade Winery has a delightful tour of the winery and wine tasting. The Harlem Valley Rail Trail offers picturesque walking, biking, skating trails through the country side.   Houses of Worship Include Congregation Beth David & St. Thomas Episcopal Church, South American Presbyterian, Grace Baptist Church, Amenia Presbyterian, Immaculate Conception Catholic and Smithfield Presbyterian.