Greene County, New York

Greene County, New York
County	Greene County
State	New York
Founded	1800
Seat	Catskill
Largest town	Catskill
Area total sq mi	647
Area land sq mi	647
Area water sq mi	0.0
Population as of	2020
Population total	47,931
Population density sq mi	auto
Time zone	Eastern
Named for	Nathanael Greene
District	19th

Greene County, New York is a county located in the Hudson Valley region of the U.S. state of New York. Its county seat is the village of Catskill, within the town of Catskill. The county is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area and is renowned for its significant natural features within the Catskill Mountains.

History

The area was originally part of the Patroonship of Rensselaerswyck and later Albany County. Following the American Revolutionary War, it was organized from parts of Albany and Ulster counties in 1800 and named for Continental Army General Nathanael Greene. The Hudson River School of American art found major inspiration in the county's landscapes, with artists like Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church living and working in the area, notably at the Cedar Grove in Catskill. The 19th century also saw the county as a center for the tanning industry, utilizing the abundant eastern hemlock forests, and it was connected to major markets via the Hudson River and later the Catskill Mountain Branch of the New York Central Railroad.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 647 square miles, virtually all of which is land. It is situated on the west bank of the Hudson River, with its western portion dominated by the peaks and forests of the Catskill Mountains, including notable summits like Hunter Mountain and Windham High Peak. The Catskill Park encompasses a large portion of the county, featuring protected wilderness areas such as the Kaaterskill Wild Forest and the site of the famed Kaaterskill Falls. Major waterways include the Schoharie Creek, which forms part of the northern border, and the Catskill Creek.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 47,931. The 2010 census recorded a population of 49,221, indicating a slight decline. The racial makeup is predominantly non-Hispanic white, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density is relatively low compared to downstate counties, with settlement concentrated in the eastern river towns and larger villages like Catskill and Coxsackie.

Government and politics

Greene County operates under a Board of Supervisors form of government, with representatives from each town. The county is part of the New York State Senate's 46th district and the New York State Assembly's 102nd and 106th districts. At the federal level, it is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by the 19th congressional district. Politically, the county has trended Republican in recent presidential elections, favoring candidates like Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020.

Economy

Historically reliant on agriculture, tanning, and bluestone quarrying, the modern economy is supported by tourism, health care, and retail. The Catskill Mountains are a major draw for skiing and outdoor recreation, with resorts such as Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain operating within the county. The Rip Van Winkle Bridge connects the county to Columbia County, facilitating commerce. Major employers include the Columbia Memorial Health system and Dick's Sporting Goods, which operates a distribution center.

Communities

The county contains ten towns and three incorporated villages. The towns are Ashland, Athens, Cairo, Catskill, Coxsackie, Durham, Greenville, Halcott, Hunter, and Jewett. The incorporated villages are Catskill, Coxsackie, and Hunter. Numerous hamlets and census-designated places exist, including Tannersville, Palenville, and Windham.

Category:Greene County, New York Category:1800 establishments in New York (state) Category:Hudson Valley