Town of Pine Plains   Distance to NYC: 98 miles Area: 29 square miles   The Town of Pine Plains is distinguished as the site of what may have been the country's first Christian congregation of Native Americans, c1742. A handful of Shekomeko Indians were converted by Moravian missionaries who fought vainly for their converts in a tragic, losing struggle against local colonists' prejudices and politics. Their work was destroyed and their members denounced as Papists, they were forced to flee to Pennsylvania. During the 19th century the hamlet became a major railroad center for local agriculture, industry and mining. The Town of Pine Plains was established in 1823 with a small population spread over 29 sq. mi. in hamlets and on farms. The Hamlet of Pine Plains is the principal center. Dairy farming became the primary industry. The rural community is located at the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. The origin of the town's name supposedly derived from early deeds, which included descriptions of "the pine plains."   Pine Plains is a leisurely two hour drive from New York City and 10 miles west of the Massachusetts and Connecticut borders.   Educational Facilities The town is served by the Pine Plains Central School District. The schools are: Cold Spring Elementary, Seymour Smith Elementary, Stissing Mountain Jr./Sr. High School. There are 7 major colleges within an hour’s commute.   Recreational Facilities Wilcox Park, located in nearby Milan, contains 615 acres and includes a lake,boating,fishing,playing fields and miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Thompson Pond Nature Reserve was added to the National Registry of Natural Landmarks in 1973 and includes a 100-acre pond and scenic hiking trails. Stissing Lake and Mountain: Stissing Mountain is 1,403 feet high and features a 90-foot high fire tower with observation deck were you can see for miles. The Stissing Lake Recreation Park includes a lake for swimming and boating,basketball courts,playing fields,area for roller blading, skate boarding and bike riding. A 450-acre forest is also open to the public with permits. The town beach and playground are located at Twin Island Lake.   The Carvel Country Club, offering golf and winter cross-country skiing, is partially in the town.   Houses of Worship Include Episcopal,Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic and Faith Bible Churches.