century In the early 20th century, another transportation shift brought travelers back to the hamlet. Automobiles became more common, and adventurous drivers ventured down long-neglected rural roads in search of interesting places like Nelson's Corner. Route 9 was designated and paved in 1912, and once again Nelson's Corner was a stop on a long road between New York City and Albany. The state cut a new section of Route 9 that bypassed the Bend, making passage through the hamlet easier for travelers and also helping to preserve the hamlet buildings on that side of the new highway. Roadside businesses flourished on the new road for a time. In 1939, John Warren's old tavern was expanded in the Colonial Revival style that had already been applied to other buildings in the hamlet, and reopened as the Bird and Bottle. After World War II, the state built limited-access roads like the Taconic State Parkway and the New York State Thruway that made the trip up the Hudson Valley faster and took much of the traffic off Route 9 again. Many of those who had visited the area were city residents, and some were drawn to move to the area at least part-time, a trend that had begun with the large estates built in the area during the late 19th century. In the late 20th century, with easier auto and rail access, this led to the suburbanization of eastern Putnam County. Some of this development has occurred near the district, but not in it. It remains very similar to the place it was in the early 19th century. References External links Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in New York (state) U.S. Route 9 Historic districts in Putnam County, New York National Register of Historic Places in Putnam County, New York