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 Revolutionary time.

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 brickmaking 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.

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 th 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.

Find exciting activities, attractions, and things to do in or near Crugers. Visit local and state parks. Play golf at some of the country's best golf courses located in Westchester, NY. Enjoy a day of golf at the beautiful Hudson National Golf Club. Hudson Golf Club is located at 40 Arrowcrest Drive, Croton on Hudson, NY 10520 in the Hudson River Valley. The stone foundation and chimney of the original Hessian Hills Clubhouse, dating back to the 1920's, still remain and lies between the fourth green and fifth tee. This is where the old world meets the new. Stunning Hudson River views confront golfers during the round while the bunkers, etched into the landscape, represent the major obstacles.

Go fishing, biking, or take the kids on a picnic at one of the many beautiful parks in the area. Take the children on a nature study walk, or for experienced hikers, hike up Mt. Sptzenberg at Blue Mountain Reservation. Blue Mountain is located at Welcher Avenue in Peekskill, NY. Blue Mountain is a 1500 acre park in the northwest section of Westchester County. It is primarily a passive park. It features miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, walking, nature study and more. It also offers challenging hikes to the tops of two large peaks: Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain.

If you live in Manhattan or are planning to visit New York City, you can easily take a train from Grand Central to Cortlandt. Go to Grand Central Station and take the MTA Metro-North Railroad to the Cortlandt Station located at 2 Memorial Drive, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10566-1244. The MTA station at Cortlandt is 52.5 miles to Grand Central Terminal.