Delaware County, New York

Delaware County, New York
County	Delaware County
State	New York
Founded	1797
Seat	Delhi
Largest town	Sidney
Area total sq mi	1,467
Area land sq mi	1,443
Area water sq mi	24
Population as of	2020
Population total	44,308
Population density sq mi	30.7
Time zone	Eastern
Named for	Delaware River
Ex image cap	Delaware County Courthouse in Delhi

Delaware County, New York is a county located in the Catskill Mountains region of the U.S. state of New York. Established in 1797 from parts of Otsego and Ulster counties, it is named for the Delaware River, which forms its southwestern border. The county seat is Delhi, and its most populous municipality is the town of Sidney.

History

The region was historically part of the ancestral lands of the Lenape people, also known as the Delaware. European settlement began in the late 18th century, following the American Revolutionary War and treaties like the Treaty of Canandaigua. The county was officially formed by an act of the New York State Legislature in 1797. The early economy was driven by hemp cultivation, tanneries, and bluestone quarrying, with the Delaware and Hudson Canal later facilitating transport of anthracite coal from Pennsylvania. The area was a center of the Anti-Rent War in the 1840s, a significant tenant farmers' revolt against the patroon system of manorial estates like those of the Livingston family. Notable 19th-century residents included the naturalist John Burroughs, who was born in Roxbury.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,467 square miles, of which 1,443 square miles is land and 24 square miles is water. Its topography is defined by the western Catskill Mountains, with significant peaks including Bearpen Mountain and Mount Utsayantha. Major waterways are the Delaware River, the East Branch Delaware River, and the West Branch Delaware River, the latter two impounded to form the Cannonsville Reservoir and the Pepacton Reservoir, key components of the New York City water supply system. A large portion of the county lies within the Catskill Park and the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River corridor.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 44,308. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density is among the lowest in New York, reflecting its rural character. Historically, the county experienced outmigration after the decline of its agricultural and extractive industries, though recent decades have seen an influx of second-home owners and retirees attracted to the Catskill Mountains.

Government and politics

Delaware County operates under a Board of Supervisors model, with representatives from each town. The county seat is Delhi, home to the Delaware County Courthouse. Politically, the county has trended Republican in presidential elections, favoring candidates like Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020. It is part of New York's 19th congressional district, represented in the 118th United States Congress by Marc Molinaro, and lies within the 51st State Senate and 101st State Assembly districts.

Economy

The economy has transitioned from resource-based industries to a mix of agriculture, tourism, and light manufacturing. It remains a major producer of dairy products, with many farms supplying cooperatives like Cabot Creamery. Tourism is centered on outdoor recreation, including fly fishing on the Delaware River, hiking in the Catskill Park, and skiing at areas like Plattekill Mountain. Manufacturing includes companies like Amphenol in Sidney. The Cannonsville Reservoir and Pepacton Reservoir are managed under agreements with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, providing significant revenue.

Communities

The county contains ten towns, nine villages, and numerous hamlets. The largest town by population is Sidney. The county seat is Delhi, which is also a town and village. Other significant towns and villages include Walton, Franklin, Margaretville, Andes, Roxbury, Hancock, and Deposit. Many of these communities host historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Delhi Historic District and the Sidney Historic District.

Category:Delaware County, New York Category:1797 establishments in New York (state) Category:Catskill Mountains