Bedford (town), New York

Bedford (town), New York
Name	Bedford
Settlement type	Town
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New York
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Westchester
Leader title	Town Supervisor
Leader name	Ellen Calves
Area total sq mi	39.33
Population as of	2020
Population total	17,309
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Eastern (EST)
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Coordinates	41, 12, 10, N...
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	10506
Area code	914 and 203
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	36-119-05200
Website	www.bedfordny.gov

Bedford (town), New York is an affluent town located in northern Westchester County. Established in 1680 as part of the Connecticut Colony, it is one of the oldest settlements in the county and is renowned for its extensive historic districts, large estates, and rural character. The town encompasses the hamlets of Bedford Village, Bedford Hills, and Katonah, each with a distinct identity. Bedford is known for its commitment to land conservation, high quality of life, and as a residence for numerous prominent figures in business, arts, and philanthropy.

History

The area was purchased from Native American chiefs in 1680 by a group of New England settlers, including John Banks and Andrew Messenger, under the auspices of the Connecticut Colony. Bedford was officially established as a town in 1682 and was originally part of the British Province of New York after the Treaty of Hartford. During the American Revolutionary War, it was a site of conflict; the Bedford Flag, the oldest known flag in the United States, was carried by local militia during the Battle of Concord. In 1779, the settlement was burned by British forces under the command of Major General William Tryon. The town was divided into three hamlets in the late 19th century when the New York and Harlem Railroad arrived, leading to the relocation of Katonah to its present site to make way for the Croton Reservoir system.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 39.3 square miles, of which 37.8 square miles is land and 1.5 square miles is water. The town's topography is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and several significant water bodies, including the Cross River Reservoir and the Muscoot Reservoir. It is bordered by the towns of Lewisboro to the east, North Castle to the south, New Castle and Mount Kisco to the southwest, and Pound Ridge to the west. A large portion of the town is protected open space, including parts of the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, the Mianus River Gorge Preserve, and numerous town-owned conservation lands.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,309. The population density was approximately 440 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White (87.5%), with significant populations of Asian (5.8%), Hispanic or Latino (6.1%), and Black or African American (2.1%). The median household income is among the highest in New York, and a high percentage of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The hamlets serve as distinct census-designated places, with Katonah being the most populous.

Government and infrastructure

Bedford operates under a Town Council form of government, led by a Town Supervisor and a four-member board. The current supervisor is Ellen Calves. Key town departments include the Bedford Police Department, the Bedford Central School District, and the Bedford Hills Free Library. Major infrastructure includes the Metro-North Railroad's Harlem Line, with stations in Bedford Hills and Katonah providing commuter rail service to Grand Central Terminal. The town is also served by the Saw Mill River Parkway and Interstate 684.

Notable people

Bedford has long been home to many notable individuals from various fields. Literary and artistic residents have included author Michael Crichton, journalist and author Martha Stewart, and artist Wendell Castle. In business and philanthropy, residents have included former IBM CEO John R. Opel, financier Henry Kravis, and philanthropist Brooke Astor. Other prominent figures include actress Glenn Close, television host Rachael Ray, and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

In popular culture

The town's picturesque and affluent setting has made it a backdrop for film and television. Scenes from the television series The Blacklist and the film The Good Shepherd were filmed in Bedford. The town is also referenced in literature and serves as the archetypal setting for depictions of wealthy New York City suburbs in popular media. The annual Bedford Fall Festival and the historic Bedford Village are frequently featured in regional publications.

Category:Towns in New York (state) Category:Towns in Westchester County, New York Category:1682 establishments in New York (state)