GHENT HISTORY
The Town of Ghent was incorporated on April 3, 1818. Before that, it was locally known as "Squampamock" and Kline Kill. Squampamock is a Native American term signifying "the meeting of the waters." 

Around 1735, early settlers, exploiting areas cleared by the natives, moved into the area. In 1818, the town of Ghent was founded from parts of the towns of Chatham, Claverack, and Kinderhook. The name has its origin in the Flemish city Ghent, in Flanders, Belgium.