Greene County, New York

"Situated south of Albany on the western bank of the Hudson River, Greene County offers some of the most dramatic views and scenic vistas in the Catskills and has attracted both artists and tourists since the early nineteenth century. [1]

"Formed from Albany and Ulster, March 25, 1800, and named in honor of General Nathaniel Greene, of the Revolution. Parts were annexed to Ulster County May 26,1812. It lies upon the west bank of Hudson River, centrally distant 32 miles from Albany, and contains 686 sq. mi. Its surface is very broken and mountainous. The main range of the Catskill Mountains commences 8 to 10 miles west of the Hudson and extends along the southern border of the county to Delaware County. These mountains are 3,000 to 3,800 feet above tide. Their summits are broad, wild, and rocky, and their declivities steep and often precipitous. A branch from the main ridge extends in a northwest direction through the county, separating the towns of Durham and Cairo from Windham and Hunter and dividing the county into two nearly equal parts. This ridge is 2,500 to 3,000 feet above tide. It has a steep and wall-like front on the east, and on the west it sends off numerous spurs, which extend to the valley of Schoharie Creek. The whole intermediate territory consists of high, rocky ridges separated by narrow valleys. The declivities are generally steep on the north, but more gradual on the south. Another branch from the main ridge extends northward through the extreme western part of the county, between the towns of Halcott and Lexington, and forms the series of highlands that rise upon the west bank of Schoharie Creek. This range forms the watershed between Schoharie Creek and Delaware River." [2]

1. National Register of Historic Places, Elka Park Historic District, Hunter, Greene County, nomination document, 1993, National Park Service, Washington, D.C.
2. French, J. H., Gazetteer of the State of New York, R. Pearsall Smith, Syracuse, 1860