National Register Listing

Tompkins Street Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Tompkins Street/Main Street H.D. (Boundary Increase

Tompkins and intersecting streets from Main St. to Cortland Rural Cemetery, Cortland, NY
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The first-ever recorded baseball game was played in Hoboken, New Jersey, but the modern rules of the game were established in New York City in 1845 by the New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club.
New York random facts
Cortland County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area originally belonged to the indigenous Haudenosaunee or Iroquois Confederacy, who inhabited the region for thousands of years before European settlement. However, it was not until the late 18th century that Europeans began to settle in what is now Cortland County.

In the late 1700s, New England pioneers migrated to the region, attracted by the fertile land and the opportunity to establish farms. The town of Homer was founded in 1791 and became the first settlement in Cortland County. Other towns followed suit, such as Marathon, Cortlandville, and Virgil, as the population gradually increased.

The 19th century brought significant developments to the county. The construction of the Chenango Canal, which connected the Susquehanna River to the Erie Canal, provided an essential transportation route for goods and people. This sparked further economic growth and encouraged industrialization in the area. Several mills were established, including sawmills, gristmills, and textile mills, which contributed to the county's economy.

Cortland County also played a role in the abolitionist movement and the underground railroad. Many residents were active in the anti-slavery cause, and the county saw numerous fugitive slaves seeking freedom. The county's ties to the abolitionist movement continued during the Civil War, with many residents enlisting in the Union Army.

Today, Cortland County is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreational activities, and educational institutions like SUNY Cortland. The county's history and heritage are preserved in its various museums and historical sites, offering visitors a glimpse into its fascinating past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cortland County, New York.

  • 1791 - Cortland County is created from part of Onondaga County.
  • 1808 - The Village of Cortland is incorporated.
  • 1823 - Cortland County Courthouse is constructed.
  • 1848 - The first railroad reaches Cortland County.
  • 1865 - The State Normal School, now SUNY Cortland, is established.
  • 1860s - Cortland becomes an important center for manufacturing and commerce.
  • 1890s - The economy shifts to focus on agriculture, dairy farming, and tobacco production.
  • 1960s - Cortland County experiences significant growth and development.
  • 2000s - Emphasis on tourism, outdoor recreation, and agriculture.