Historical Markers in
Greene County, New York

1635 English Lawyer 1785 1808 Sayre Home 90th Anniversary of Rip Van Winkle Bridge A. Van Loon House Art Flick Athens Veterans Memorial Bell Factory Benjamin Spees Bethel AME Brandy Hill Bronck House Bronck Museum Burns-Curran Maintenance Facility Cairo Fairgrounds Capt. Joseph Allen Catskill Mountains Catskill Walking Tour Col. Zadock Pratt County Farm Coxsackie Coxsackie World War II Memorial Cross Here and Save Time Depot Drill Grounds Early Church Early Sawmill Edwin L. Drake First Log House First Log House First School Footpath General George Decker Greenville Grist Mill Haines Falls Haines Falls Honor Roll Hamlet of Alsen Hamlet of Cementon Heermance Library Honor Roll Hop-O-Nose Hunter Hunter Hunter War Memorial In Honor In Memory In Tribute To Jan Van Loon House Jefferson Heights War Memorial John E. Lawe Kaaterskill Falls Manor House Martin Van Buren Massacre 1790 Meeting House Hill Mowers House Newell Inn Northrup House Oak Hill Cemetery Oak Hill Historic District Oak Hill Malleable Iron Co. Old Inn One Hundredth Anniversary Pachquiack Paper Mill Pratt Rock Pride Flag R.R. Disaster Railway Bridge Recycled Plastic Bridge Reed’s Landing Reformed Church Reformed Low Dutch Church Rev. Johannes Schuneman Rip Van Winkle Rip Van Winkle Trail Round Top South Cairo Depot Stanton Hill State Land State Land State Land Stone Bridge Stone House Susquehanna Turnpike Talmage-Atwater Tannersville Tannersville Tannersville School Ground Improvements The Bronck Burying Ground The Bronck Family The Bronck Farm The Catskills The Coxsackie Resolutions The Hudson River Greenway Water Trail The Kiersted Tannery The Mrs. Osborn House The World War Thirteen Side Barn Thurlow Weed Town of Cairo Town of Hunter World War Memorial Town of Lexington War Memorial Trinity Church Ulster & Delaware Railroad Station Uncle Sam Uncle Sam Bridge Village Cemetery Wanatonka Island Welcome to the Kaaterskill Rail Trail Welcome to the Kaaterskill Rail Trail World War World War World War II Memorial Zion Lutheran Church “First House On The Hill”
New York State was home to several utopian communities in the 19th century, including the Oneida Community in central New York, which practiced communal living and free love, and the Shakers, who were known for their furniture and craftsmanship.
Greene County is located in the state of New York and holds a rich history that dates back to the early colonial times. The area that is now Greene County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Mohican people. European settlers, mainly Dutch and English, began to establish settlements in the region during the 17th century.

In 1800, Greene County was officially established, named after General Nathanael Greene, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The region flourished economically, as it was situated along the Hudson River and easily accessible to trade routes. The construction of the Erie Canal in the 19th century further boosted the county's growth, connecting it to the Great Lakes and opening up avenues for transportation and commerce.

Throughout the 1800s, various industries thrived in Greene County, including flour mills, sawmills, and tanneries. The towns of Catskill and Cairo became major centers of trade and manufacturing. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century further fueled economic development and facilitated the transportation of goods and people.

In the early 20th century, the tourism industry began to emerge as visitors flocked to the region to enjoy its natural beauty, including the Catskill Mountains and numerous lakes and rivers. Resorts and hotels were built, attracting vacationers from New York City and other urban areas. Today, Greene County continues to be a popular destination for outdoor recreation and tourism, with a strong focus on eco-tourism and preserving its natural resources.

Overall, Greene County's history is characterized by its early settlement, industrial growth, and later transition into a tourist destination. It serves as a testament to the diverse and evolving nature of the region and its ability to adapt to changing economic trends.

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

  • 1600s: The area that is now Greene County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Mohican and Lenape.
  • 1609: Explorer Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River and made contact with the Native American tribes in the region.
  • 1683: Greene County was part of Albany County, one of the original twelve counties of New York.
  • 1788: The state of New York was divided into counties, and Greene County was officially established.
  • 1800s: The construction of the Erie Canal brought economic growth and increased trade opportunities to Greene County.
  • 1826: The town of Catskill became the county seat of Greene County.
  • 1900s: Tourism became an important industry in Greene County due to its picturesque landscapes and proximity to the Catskill Mountains.
  • 1969: The Woodstock Music Festival was held in Bethel, Sullivan County, which attracted thousands of attendees from across the country, including Greene County.
  • Today, Greene County is known for its beautiful natural scenery, outdoor recreational activities, and charming small towns.