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Ulster County, New York

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Interstate 87 (New York) Hop 3
Expansion Funnel Raw 74 → Dedup 30 → NER 22 → Enqueued 22
1. Extracted74
2. After dedup30 (None)
3. After NER22 (None)
Rejected: 8 (not NE: 8)
4. Enqueued22 (None)
Ulster County, New York
NameUlster County
Settlement typeCounty
Coordinates41, 53, N, 74...
Subdivision typeCountry
Subdivision nameUnited States
Subdivision type1State
Subdivision name1New York
Established titleFounded
Established date1683
Seat typeCounty seat
SeatKingston
Largest cityKingston
Area total sq mi1161
Area land sq mi1124
Area water sq mi37
Population total181,851
Population as of2020
Population density sq miauto
Websitehttps://ulstercountyny.gov/

Ulster County, New York is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, situated along the Hudson River and within the scenic Catskill Mountains. Its county seat and largest city is Kingston, which served as the first capital of New York. The county is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes ranging from riverfront communities to forested peaks, and vibrant cultural scenes centered in towns like Woodstock and New Paltz.

History

The region was originally inhabited by the Esopus tribe of the Lenape people before European settlement. In 1652, Thomas Chambers established the first permanent European settlement at Kingston, then called Esopus. The area saw conflict during the Esopus Wars and later became a center for New Netherland and then English colonial administration. Kingston briefly served as the state capital and was burned by the British Army during the American Revolutionary War. The 19th century brought growth through industries like Hudson River shipping, bluestone quarrying, and the Delaware and Hudson Canal. The 20th century saw the rise of the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Bethel, cementing its countercultural legacy.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,161 square miles, with significant water area from the Ashokan Reservoir and the Rondout Creek. It is bordered by Greene County to the north, Columbia County and Dutchess County across the Hudson River to the east, Orange County to the south, and Sullivan County and Delaware County to the west. Major geographic features include the Shawangunk Ridge, the Catskill Mountains, and portions of the Catskill Park.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 181,851. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing Hispanic and African American communities. The largest ancestry groups include Irish, Italian, and German. Population centers include Kingston, the New Paltz area, which is home to the State University of New York at New Paltz, and the Lloyd hamlet of Highland.

Government and politics

Ulster County operates under a charter with an elected County Executive and a 23-member Ulster County Legislature. It is part of New York's 18th congressional district and the 19th congressional district. The county has historically been a political battleground, voting for Democratic presidential candidates like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton but also electing Republican officials such as former U.S. Representative John G. Dow. The Ulster County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement.

Economy

Historically reliant on agriculture, cement production, and IBM manufacturing in Kingston and East Fishkill, the economy has shifted towards tourism, healthcare, and education. Major employers include HealthAlliance Hospital (part of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network), Vassar Brothers Medical Center, and the State University of New York at New Paltz. The Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley attract visitors for outdoor recreation, while vineyards and Culinary Institute of America-affiliated farms support agritourism.

Culture and recreation

The county is renowned for its arts scene, anchored by the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum and the Dia Art Foundation's Dia:Beacon nearby. Annual events include the Ulster County Fair in New Paltz and the Kingston Festival of the Arts. Outdoor attractions feature the Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and the Walkway Over the Hudson. Historic sites include the Huguenot Street Historic District and the Senate House State Historic Site. The area's musical heritage is celebrated at the BETHEL Woods Center for the Arts.

Category:Ulster County, New York Category:1683 establishments in New York (state) Category:Counties of the Hudson Valley