GREENERPASTURE Free Family History Since 1999
Seasonal stories & historical reading

Flag associated with Catskill, New York, USA History of Catskill, New York, USA

Journey back in time to Catskill, New York, USA

Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Catskill, New York, USA.

ABOUT THE PLACE

About Catskill

Catskill, New York, USA - Catskill, New York, USA - Main Street looking toward the point
Catskill is a town in the southeast part of Greene County, New York, United States. The town contains a village, also called Catskill.

The area of the town was purchased from the natives in 1678, and settlement followed. The town was established March 7, 1788, as part of Albany County. When Greene County was formed on March 25, 1800, Catskill became part of the new county. The town was increased by an addition from the town of Woodstock in 1800, but was later decreased upon the formation of the towns of Cairo (1803) and Athens (1815).
Source
Have family roots in Catskill?Add your family to this place
MAP
Use the map to explore this place and its surroundings.
ADVERTISEMENT
VINTAGE CATSKILL

Catskill Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Catskill, New York, USA - Main Street looking toward the point
Catskill, New York, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Main Street looking toward the point
Catskill, New York, USA - Masonic Temple
Catskill, New York, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Masonic Temple
Catskill, New York, USA - Grant House
Catskill, New York, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Grant House
Catskill, New York, USA - Y.M.C.A. Building
Catskill, New York, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Y.M.C.A. Building
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to CATSKILL

Buy it NOW!

I Love NEW YORK Mug – Pizza, Bagels & Cheesecake Ceramic Coffee Cup

Sip your way into the heart of the Big Apple with our Ceramic Mug featuring the mouthwatering trio of Pizza, Bagels, and Cheesecake! Designed for true New York food lovers, this mug is your perfect companion for savoring your favorite brews.

NEW YORK Roots & Sarcasm - Ceramic Genealogy Coffee Mug

Discover your New York heritage with a twist of humor with our "Found my roots in New York—turns out my ancestors invented sarcasm!" mug. This mug is perfect for those who appreciate the art of witty banter passed down through generations.

NEW YORK - Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug - Ceramic

Discover the charm and mystery of your roots with our "Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug." This ceramic beauty is more than just a coffee cup; it’s a conversation starter that celebrates the quirks and tales of family history in Upstate New York.

NEW YORK - Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug – Funny Upstate NY Genealogy Coffee Cup

Start your day with a laugh—and a nod to history! The Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug is perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, history buffs, and Upstate New York fans. Adorned with a witty slogan and a charming vintage design, this mug celebrates the rich and often surprising history of Upstate New York. Whether you're tracing your roots or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this mug is sure to spark conversation and bring a smile to your face.

NEW YORK Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug Gift Idea - Celebrate Your Ancestry with Every Sip!

Embrace your heritage with this New York Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug, perfect for the proud family historian. Whether you're researching your ancestors or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this ceramic mug reminds you of your deep connection to the Empire State.

ELLIS ISLAND Roots Ceramic Mug – Tribute to Ancestry and New Beginnings - Celebrating Our Immigrant Ancestors

Celebrate your family’s journey with this ceramic mug featuring vintage postcards of Ellis Island, the iconic gateway to America. Adorned with the heartfelt phrase, "Ellis Island: Where My Roots Took Their First Steps!" this mug is a tribute to the brave immigrants who paved the way for future generations. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or sharing stories of your ancestors, this mug serves as a beautiful reminder of the past and the roots that shaped your future. A perfect gift for genealogy enthusiasts or anyone proud of their heritage!
LOCAL HISTORY

Discover Catskill: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Catskill through the years.

1854 - Catskill
Catskill, a post-township of Greene county, New York, on the W. side of Hudson river. 34 miles below Albany, is intersected by Catskill creek. Population, 5454.

Catskill, a post-village in the above town ship, capital of Greene county, New York, on the W. bank of the Hudson river, at the mouth of Catskill creek, 34 miles below Albany, and 111 miles above New York. It contains a court house, 2 banks, 2 newspaper offices, and churches of 5 or 6 denominations.
1869 - BOILER EXPLOSION. A PAPER MILL AT CATSKILL VILLAGE DEMOLISHED - SEVERAL PERSONS KILLED.
Hudson, N.Y., Nov. 15, 1869.
A terrible boiler explosion occurred in Storms' paper mill at Catskill Village at half-past eleven o'clock this morning. The building was completely demolished, and several lives were lost. It is impossible to tell at present the full extent of the disaster. It is known that MRS. GEORGE BRANDOW, the wife of the engineer, was instantly killed. The engineer and firemen cannot be found, and it is believed they have met an instantaneous death and are buried in the ruins. The explosion not only destroyed the mill, but has shattered various buildings in the immediate vicinity. The ice-houses of Hiram Van Steonburghm, adjoining, caught fire and were destroyed. It is likely that the loss of life may be greater than at first anticipated, as in the excitement it is impossible to tell who are among the missing. Further particulars are expected.
New York Herald
New York, New York
November 16, 1869
1895 - Catskill
Cats'kill, a post-village, capital of Greene co., N.Y., is pleasantly situated on the W. bank of the Hudson River, at the mouth of Catskill Creek, 34 miles below Albany. It contains a court-house, 7 churches, a savings bank, 2 national banks, the Catskill Free Academy, St. Patrick's Academy, and printing-offices which issue 2 weekly news papers. Here are 2 knitting-mills, a facing-mill, a chair factory, 2 sash and blind-factories, a paper-mill, and several stone-yards and ice-houses. Pop. in 1890, 4920; of the township (which also contains Palensville) 8263.
1903 - CATSKILL BRIDGE COLLAPSES. FIVE MEN GO DOWN WITH THE WRECK AND TWO OF THEM DROWN.
Catskill, Oct. 9 - While a hundred spectators were on the lower village bridge to-day watching the most destructive freshet seen here in thirty years a brick barge broke from its fastenings and crashed into the bridge, carrying away the longest span. Five men went down with the mass of iron, and two of them - CAPT. MICHAEL MORAN and WILLIAM DWYER - were drowned. The others were swept ashore and escaped.

The village is without electric lights to-night, and the trolley road is tied up, owing to the freshet having put out the fires at the electric light station.
The New York Times
New York, New York
October 10, 1903
Here's a guide to some of the best places to go and things to do in Catskill, New York.
1. Explore the Great Outdoors:

Kaaterskill Falls: Start your outdoor adventure with a visit to Kaaterskill Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls in New York. The two-tiered waterfall is a picturesque spot for hiking and photography. The hike to the falls can be a bit challenging, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some uphill terrain.

Catskill Park: This vast wilderness area offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching. The park covers over 700,000 acres and is home to numerous trails and viewpoints, such as the Escarpment Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.

2. Art and Culture:

Thomas Cole National Historic Site: Visit the former home and studio of Thomas Cole, a renowned 19th-century landscape painter and founder of the Hudson River School of Art. Explore his beautiful estate and learn about the art movement that celebrated the American landscape.

Catskill Art Society: This...
Read more
GENEALOGY IN CATSKILL

Discover YOUR Roots: Catskill Ancestry

Explore ancestors connected to Catskill through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.

BIRTHS & DEATHS

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Catskill, New York, USA

We currently have information about 18 ancestors who were born or died in Catskill.

View ancestors by year of birth
Updated: 9/15/2023 8:58:18 AM
COMMUNITY

Discussion & Local Contributions

Share corrections, memories, local history, or family connections that may help other researchers.

Back to topSearch this place again