A History of Delaware County, New York: A Catskill Land and Its People, 1797-2007

From "a howling wilderness" to weekend retreat, this book is the first comprehensive history of Delaware County, New York, since 1949. The author follows the numerous themes, characters and events that so affect the present. Land use is at the fore of this tale of a remote upland county situated in the western Catskill Mountains, now part of the vast hinterland of New York City. Once the haunt of Native Americans, the county became home to hardy pioneer families, farmers and trades people, each group with its own particular needs to be derived from the land. Land use issues have dominated the local scene, as documented by the stores of the Anti-Rent War, the construction of the railroads and highways and eventually the construction of the reservoirs for New York's thirsty millions. More than 120 illustrations are included.