Buchanan is one of two incorporated villages in the Town of Cortlandt. The Town of Cortlandt is located in the northwestern corner of Westchester County, New York. Cortlandt includes the villages of Croton-on-Hudson and Buchanan, the CDPs of Crugers and Verplanck and the hamlets (communities) of Montrose and Cortlandt Manor. It also includes Lake Peekskill and a section of Mohegan Lake. The rural character of the town is defined by the Hudson River, New York City Watershed Lands, numerous wooded hills and steep slopes, wetland areas and beautiful streams.

The City of Peekskill borders the Hudson River to the west, and is surrounded by the Town of Cortlandt to the north, east, and south of the city.

History of the Town of Cortlandt
"Hendrick Hudson discovered the Hudson River in 1609, sailing his ship the Half Moon north anchoring at Verplanck’s Point. Cortlandt derived its name from the Van Cortlandt family who began purchasing land in 1677 from the Croton River north to Anthony’s Nose and east to Connecticut. Cortlandt was the site of many skirmishes during the Revolutionary War. Local roads, such as Watch Hill and Furnace Dock Road, where the furnaces that made ammunition for the war effort were located, bear names reflecting the time of the American Revolution.

"In 1788 under the Township Act, Cortlandt became one of 20 townships in Westchester County with Philip Van Cortlandt as the first Supervisor. During the 19th century the railroad was extended to the area and industrialization began to occur with the hamlet of Verplanck becoming an important brick making center. Through­out the late 19th and early 20th centuries the Town of Cortlandt was predominantly a rural, agricultural community with seasonal bungalow colonies serving the residents of New York City. By the 1950's Federal housing programs, combined with improvements to the road network and the railroad, led to the suburbanization of the town, which was typical throughout New York State. Today, many Cortlandt residents commute to the major employment centers of New York City and White Plains.

Source of Town History: Town of Cortlandt

During the Revolutionary War, Lieutenant Colonel Cortlandt commanded the 2nd New York Regiment in the Continental Army. He was awarded the rank of brigadier general for gallant conduct at the siege of Yorktown under General Lafayette.

He served in both houses of the New York State Legislature and represented New York in the United States House of Representatives from 1793 until 1809. He died November 21, 1831 at Van Cortlandt Manor House in Croton in November of 1831 at the age of eighty-two. Van Cortlandt is buried at the Hillside Cemetery in Cortlandt.

Point of Interest: Philip Van Cortlandt, born August 21, 1749 was a land surveyor, land-owner and politician from Westchester County, New York. He pursued classical studies; attended Coldenham Academy and was graduated from King's College (now known as Columbia University) in 1768.

History And Antiquities
The following covers "History and Antiquities", a general collection of interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, and anecdotes about Westchester County and its towns. When reading the following, remember to keep in mind that this information has been written about two hundred years ago. Population statistics and events have not been revised to reflect current events and perspective. We think this adds to the historical flavor and interest of the writings, giving a different perspective on much of this information and written in an "older world" writing style. "Historical Collections of the State of New York" , Published by S. Tuttle, 194 Chatham-Square, 1841

Cortland - Now known as Cortlandt
"The surface of this town on the north is covered by the highlands, and has some lofty summits, the principal of which is the Kleberg and Anthony's nose. The town has a considerable portion of arable land. Pop. 5,592. Croton and Cortland town are small post villages."

About the Village of Buchanan
There are many things to do and places to go in and around Buchanan. Find activities, attractions, and things to do in or near Buchanan. Visit local and state parks in Cortlandt. Play golf at some of the best golf courses in Westchester. Hollow Brook Golf Club is located at 1060 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 in the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Designed by Eric Bergstol, Hollow Brook is set on 250 pristine acres in Cortlandt Manor, New York. In the northwest corner of the county, Hollow Brook is part of a still-growing portfolio of Bergstol golf courses in New York and New Jersey. Bergstol has established a national reputation for golf courses that preserve and protect the environment and compliment the natural beauty of the land.

Visit the antique shops around Buchanan. Find antiques in Buchanan, Croton-on-Hudson, or other towns in the northern part of Westchester County. Select from a wide range of outdoor activities around Buchanan. Go fishing in Croton, at Croton Point Park in the northern western part of Westchester. Enjoy biking around Buchanan, or take the kids on a picnic around Buchanan at one of the many beautiful parks in the area. Go on a nature walk at Croton Point Park, a 508 acre park situated on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River. This park offers year-round events and activities, including: camping, hiking, and swimming. Also, home of wine cellars, thought to be the oldest in New York State.

If you live in Manhattan or are planning a visit to New York City, you can easily take a train from Grand Central to Croton-on-Hudson. Go to Grand Central Station and take the MTA Metro-North Croton Harmon to the Croton-on-Hudson Station located at 4 Veterans Plaza (cross street is Croton Point Ave.) Croton-on-Hudson, NY, 10520-3054. The Croton-on-Hudson Station is 33.2 miles from Grand Central Terminal.