Croton-On-Hudson, NY
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson has a history of welcoming a diversity of newcomers to its almost five square miles set between the Hudson and Croton Rivers. Kitchawanc Native Americans are supposed to have greeted Henry Hudson himself on the shores of Croton Point, and later allowed the Tellers, one of the first European families to arrive, to farm on the promontory.
The Van Cortlandt family, whose Manor House is open regularly to visitors, entertained notables including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin during tumultuous times. Passengers on the Hudson River Railroad Line have noted what is fondly referred to as a "Railroad Town," as they paused for a train change.
In the early years of last century, locals rowed gondolas along the Croton River, when young movie stars such as Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks and New York City bohemians arrived to party.
Croton-on-Hudson offers visitors a network of hiking trails throughout the village, linking with the Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway State Historic Park and a pedestrian and biking bridge, "Crossining," to neighboring Ossining.
New trails line the Hudson River, with plans in place to extend them even further north. Construction of a road, on the western side of the tracks, from Half Moon Bay condominiums to north of the village's Senasqua Park, allows public access to the trails and canoe launch. Bird watchers have exceptional opportunities to add to their personal lists with two Audubon sanctuaries and Croton Point Park, where bald eagles can now be found nesting.
A myriad of former residents give the current ones cause for an unusually strong connection with local history. The soprano, Lilian Nordica; Isadora Duncan; Gloria Swanson; John Reed; Max Eastman; Edna St. Vincent Millay; Mable Dodge; Eric Knight; George Biddle and Lorraine Hansberry, to name a few, all once lived in Croton.
Small town events throughout the year, such as window painting competitions, "Run Against Hunger," Little League Parade, Teen Theatre, outdoor concerts, art shows, holiday tree decorating and Summerfest, encourage a strong sense of community.
For more information, see