The New York and Harlem Railroad built their main line through Hillsdale between 1848 and 1852, and installed a station there.

The station catered to a local community that had a substantial industry during that era.

The line provided both passenger and freight train services, and was acquired by the New York Central System in 1864.

[6] However, with the demise of the Harlem Division passenger service north of Dover Plains on March 20, 1972,[2][7] the station was closed for passengers and provided freight only services.

Hillsdale provided commercial freight services until 1980, when the tracks north of Wassaic were dismantled.