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 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.

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 Buchanan. Visit local and state parks. Play golf at some of the country's best golf courses located in Westchester. Hudson National Golf Club opened in June of 1996 and quickly forged a national reputation around its traditional design, supreme conditioning, and spectacular Hudson River views.

Visit the antique shops in and 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 in Westchester County. Go fishing, biking, or take the kids on a picnic 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 Railroad 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.