# Cortlandt, New York

Cortlandt is a town in Westchester County, New York, positioned at the northwestern edge of the county. As of the 2020 census, the population was 42,545. The town is located at the eastern terminus of the Bear Mountain Bridge.

## History

The Cortlandt area holds significant Revolutionary War importance. It was home to King's Ferry, a strategic crossing point between Stony Point and Verplanck's Point that George Washington's forces used during their 1781 march to Yorktown, Virginia.

Several sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Bear Mountain Bridge Road and Toll House, and the Old Croton Dam.

## Geography

The town encompasses approximately 50 square miles total, with about 39.3 square miles of land and 10.8 square miles of water (21.51% water coverage). Its borders include the Hudson River to the west and the city of Peekskill.

## Communities Within the Town

The town contains two villages: Buchanan and Croton-on-Hudson.

Additional hamlets include Cortlandt Manor, Crompond, Crugers, Montrose, Verplanck, Van Cortlandtville, Furnace Woods, Mount Airy, and Oscawana.

## Transportation

Metro-North Railroad service connects residents to New York City via Cortlandt and Croton-Harmon stations. Croton-Harmon also provides Amtrak service. U.S. Route 9 traverses the town along the Hudson River. The Appalachian Trail passes through the northwest section near Bear Mountain Bridge.

## Demographics

The 2000 census showed 38,467 residents. The population was 88.60% White, 4.59% African American, 2.57% Asian, with 7.19% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The median household income was $75,442.