History

Located in Greene County, New York, the Village of Catskill encompasses the northeast part of the Town of Catskill. It lies on the west side of the Hudson River where Catskill Creek enters the river.

The "Flats," in the valley of Catskill, near Leeds, were settled by Martin G. Van Bergen and Sylvester Salisbury, who purchased a large tract of land from the Indians in 1678. The title of the land on which the larger part of the village of Catskill is built was traded by the Indians in May 1684 for the sum of a gun, a kettle, two shirts, a keg of beer and a little rum.

The town of Catskill was formed on March 7, 1788. From there, a part of Albany County was annexed by Ulster April 5, 1798, a part of Woodstock was added March 25, 1800, a part of Cairo was added in 1803, and a part of Athens in 1815.

The location of Catskill on the Hudson at the mouth of Catskill Creek has helped make it the center of Greene County. Catskill was not only the first settlement in the county, but has been since its beginning the industrial and merchant hub of the county.

It had made little growth until after the Revolution, functioning until then only as a convenient port from which to ship the "planks" and potash which were made in the mountains. In 1792 ten houses comprised the Village of Catskill, but by 1803 there were thirteen warehouses and thirty-one stores. By then the population had grown to 2,000.

Catskill village was incorporated on May 14, 1806 and is home to the county government and is the principal town in Greene County,

Catskill has been a popular destination for artists since its beginnings. Thomas Cole, generally acknowledged as the founder of the Hudson River School, opened a studio in the town of Catskill in 1827. He lived and painted in Catskill and died there in 1848.

Catskill’s beauty and close proximity to major population centers in the Northeast have always made it a favorite tourist spot. It is one of the few places that has retained its beauty and charm of years past.

Catskill Village Today

The Village of Catskill has few industries today, although there are about 25 manufacturing facilities. Bricks, paving blocks, and other products are currently manufactured, from the clay which is abundant in this part of the county. Knot goods and cut glass are also produced in the village.

Even today the Village of Catskill functions as the principal town in Greene county and as the gateway to the Catskill region. The village has a population of about 4,400 people, which has remained relatively unchanged for the last century.

While the village is no longer an industrial and manufacturing center it still captures the charm of the fashionable villages of the great American cities such as Manhattan’s SOHO district. It has and continues to be a cultural haven for artists and admirers of art alike.

The Catskill region is some of the most beautiful country in the Northeast. With attractions and sights to see in every season, it is a popular year round tourist destination.

Interesting Facts

Martin Van Buren, the eight President of the United States, was married on February 21, 1807 in the village.

John Adams, United States Congressman from New York, died in Catskill on September 25, 1854

George Decker, General and Chief of Staff US Army during the Kennedy Administration was born in Catskill on February 16, 1902

Thomas Cole, generally acknowledged as the founder of the Hudson River School, lived and painted in Catskill Village. He died in Catskill on February 11, 1848.