Cortland,
New York, fondly known as the ‘Crown City’
of the state, lies on a glaciated plane formed by
the convergence of seven valleys. At 1,130 feet
above sea level, Cortland is the uppermost city in
the state, and is known as one of New York’s most
scenic towns. Cortland serves as the southeastern
gateway to the beautiful Finger
Lakes region. Farmer's markets and wineries,
carrying on centuries-old traditions, are found
throughout the region. Cortland also boasts some of
the finest modern educational institutes in the
nation.The
City of Cortland was settled in 1791. It was
incorporated in 1900 as the 41st city in the State
of New York. On the Official City Seal, the seven
points of the Crown represent the seven surrounding
valleys. The 41st star in the center of the Crown
depicts Cortland as the closest incorporated City to
the geographical center of New York State.
The
city of Cortland is steeped in local history. Its
heritage dates back to the 1500s, when Iroquois
tribes named Cortland’s lovely river the Tioughnioga,
the ‘Bank of Flowers.’ The river flows four
hundred miles south from Cortland to the mouth of
the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, and Cortland began
its life as a river port. With the advent of the
Erie Canal and the railroad in the early 1800’s,
local dairy farmers were able to ship their produce
from Cortland’s historic rail station, and an era
of prosperity and diversity began which still
continues today. Gracious Victorian mansions line
the streets of Cortland, a reflection of that first
age of prosperity. The elegantly domed courthouse
from the 1920’s looks down from the square, with
its Statue of Justice towering 160 feet above the
street.
Today,
Cortland’s historic downtown is a thriving
business district that has retained its charming
small-town atmosphere. Quaint shops and five-star
restaurants call the Victorian mansions home now;
and visitors and residents walk the stately
tree-lined streets at a leisurely pace. Priding
itself on being a place to escape the bustle of the
city, Cortland still attracts world-class
corporations such as Cooper Tools, Harlan Industries
and the Marathon Boat Group.
One
million dollars in funding will go towards building
the Tioughnioga
River Trail, blending tourism along with the
unique employee-owned corporation Cortland Line. Courtland
Line is a renowned fly-fishing supply company,
established over 90 years ago.
With
a population of almost 19,000 (Census 2,000)
Cortland, NY is a proud county seat for Cortland
County. This largely rural county has a
reputation for being one of the loveliest in New
York State, along with holding a most strategic
position geographically. With a centered location in
the state and excellent highway access to every
region as well as Washington DC, economists call
Cortland County the ‘heartland of future growth’.
The Cortland County Business
Development Corporation, founded in 1982, plays
a large role in bringing new corporations and firms
into the area. Over $90 million in new investment
programs have been spent in the last few years.
Designated as one of New York’s Empire
Zones, there are many state and local incentives
in place to enhance new business growth.
The
future for the ‘Crown City of New York shines
brightly. Cortland offers lovely small-town heritage
and a future of strong economic growth.
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