Town of Cortlandt

The Town of Cortlandt virtually surrounds the City of Peekskill and borders on the Hudson River. It is comprised of the villages of Croton-on-Hudson and Buchanan, several hamlets and many unincorporated areas. Croton-on-Hudson, the larger of the two villages, is treats as a separate entity in this publication.

Buchanan, the other village in Cortlandt, has a total area of about one-and-one half square miles. Buchanan’s Village Circle, just off Route 9A, is the center of business activity. The Indian Point Nuclear Generating Station and the Consolidated Edison and Entergy Nuclear NorthEast power plants are located in the village.

The hamlets of Verplanck, Montrose and Crugers, all residential communities, are south of Buchanan. Driving down Broadway, Verplanck’s main street, you can feel its small-town charm, accented by one-family homes, playgrounds and ball fields. Albany Post Road is the Center of activity in Montrose. FDR Veterans Administration Hospital and George’s Island Park are its major landmarks. Furnace Brook and Oscawana Park are popular attractions in Crugers.

History- Fascinating Facts

When Europeans arrived in the early 17th century, the Cortlandt area was Kitchawanc Indian territory.

In 1677 Stephanus Van Cortlandt acquired a patent for 86,000 acres in this area.

In 1788, the Town of Cortlandt was established. Originally, Peekskill was part of the Town of Cortlandt.

In 1839, the State Legislature approved the incorporation of the Village of Peekskill.

In 1940, Peekskill separated from the Town of Cortlandt, becoming an incorporated city.

In the 1800s, Cortlandt grew more industrialized. Large estates were broken up and connected by highways. Trolley lines and electric train service developed.

Recreation

Cortlandt residents enjoy dozens of fun-filled and relaxing activities year-around at many different locations throughout the town.

The villages of Croton-on-Hudson and Buchanan have their own recreation and parks departments.

Park and facilities in Cortlandt include the Charles J. Cook Recreation Center, Lake Meahagh, Oscawana Island Park, Sprout Brook Park, Steven Herbert Memorial State Park, the Cortlandt Roller Hockey Rink and tennis courts (at Hendrick Hudson High School and Walter Panas High School).

Today, Cortlandt is a pleasant mix of modern conveniences, friendly people and rural charm.

Town Information

Town of Cortlandt, Westchester County State of New York. Includes the Villages of Buchanan and Croton-on-Hudson and the Hamlets of Crugers, Montrose and Verplanck.

Schools (Four public school districts serve residents in the Town of Cortlandt):

• Croton-Harmon School District
• Hendrick Hudson School District
• Lakeland Central School District
• Yorktown Central School District

Major Transportation routes:

• State Routes 9 and 6
• Metro North Train
• Bee Line Transit Bus

Town Demographics: (2000 Census Survey)

• Area in Square Miles: 40.9Density
• (no. of People/sq.m.): 941
• Number of Households: 10,808
• Median Household Income: $83,328
• Median Value (single family): $312,000
• Average Value (single family): $356,244
• Total Population: 38,467

Distribution by Age:

Distribution by Race: