Croton-on-Hudson is a village in Westchester County, New York, United States. It is located in the town of Cortlandt. This area is part of the northern suburbs of New York City. In 2020, about 8,327 people lived here. The village officially became a village in 1898.

History of Croton-on-Hudson

Early Times and Manor Life

People have lived in the area that is now Croton-on-Hudson since at least 7000 BC. Around 1645, the Kitchawanc tribe made a peace treaty with the Dutch people who were arriving. This event is remembered with a plaque in Croton Point Park.

In 1677, Stephanus van Cortlandt started buying land here. He wanted to create a large estate called a manor. In 1697, it was officially named the Manor of Cortlandt. The manor house was built where the Croton River meets the Hudson River. By 1718, about 91 people lived there, working mostly as farmers or millers.

Building Dams and Railroads

New Croton Dam and Reservoir, Croton River, Croton-on-Hudson, NY

In the mid-1800s, important projects began. The Old Croton Dam, then the New Croton Dam, and the Croton Aqueduct were built. These structures helped supply water to New York City. A new train station for the New York Central Railroad was also built by the Hudson River. Many immigrants from Ireland, Italy, and Germany moved to the area to work on these big projects. This caused the population to grow a lot. By 1898, when the village was officially formed, about 1,000 people lived there. This number grew to 1,700 by the early 1900s.

The Railroad and New Communities

Work on a new rail line along the Hudson River started in 1846. In 1903, a realtor named Clifford B. Harmon bought 550 acres of land near the village. He gave some land to the New York Central Railroad to build a train station. He asked that the station always be named after him. Today, it is called the Croton-Harmon station. It is a major stop for the Metro-North Railroad and Amtrak.

The station became a big service center for trains in 1906. It expanded even more in 1913. This was where electric trains from New York City would switch to steam engines. Today, it still serves this purpose, but for diesel engines instead of steam.

Artist Colony and Village Growth

Around the same time, a community called Harmon became a popular place for artists. Nearby, the Mount Airy community changed from a Quaker settlement to a home for artists and writers. In 1932, Harmon and most of Mount Airy became part of the village of Croton-on-Hudson.

Geography

Croton-on-Hudson is located on the shores of the Hudson River. The village covers about 10.8 square miles (27.85 square kilometers). About 4.8 square miles (12.16 square kilometers) of this is land, and 6.1 square miles (15.70 square kilometers) is water.

Population Information

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1900	1,533	—
1910	1,806	17.8%
1920	2,286	26.6%
1930	2,447	7.0%
1940	3,843	57.0%
1950	4,837	25.9%
1960	6,812	40.8%
1970	7,523	10.4%
1980	6,889	−8.4%
1990	7,018	1.9%
2000	7,606	8.4%
2010	8,070	6.1%
2020	8,327	3.2%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were 7,606 people living in Croton-on-Hudson. The population grew to 8,327 by 2020. The average age of people in the village in 2000 was 40 years old.

Economy

Train Station's Importance

The economy of Croton-on-Hudson has always been closely linked to the train station. Until the early 1980s, this station was a major hub. Northbound trains would switch from electric engines to other types of engines here. This area was known as Harmon. Many workers were needed to maintain the diesel and steam engines. This led to many local businesses like restaurants and bars.

Changes and Riverfront Development

When the New York Central Railroad merged into Penn Central in 1968, the economy of Croton-on-Hudson slowed down. The many workers who supported the local businesses were no longer there.

Since the early 1990s, there has been a big effort to improve the riverfront for fun activities. Some of these improvements include new pedestrian bridges and bicycle trails. Croton Point Park is also a popular spot along the riverfront.

A man and woman fishing in Croton Point Park

Transportation

Train Services

Croton-Harmon Train Station

Croton-on-Hudson is a stop for several Amtrak train routes. These include the Empire Service and Maple Leaf. It is also a major stop for the Metro-North Hudson Line service. The main train maintenance shops and yards for Metro-North are also located here.

Roads and Highways

Major roads serving Croton-on-Hudson include US 9, NY 9A, and NY 129.

Culture and Events

Festivals and Runs

Croton Point Park hosts the Great Hudson River Revival each year. This festival celebrates folk music, art, and the environment.

Croton-on-Hudson also has an annual event called Summerfest. During Summerfest, the main business area is closed to cars. People can enjoy music, food, and local artists.

Since 1981, the village has held the annual Harry Chapin Run Against Hunger. This event includes a 10k race and a fun run.

Local Landmarks and Traditions

Dummy light at the intersection of Grand Street and Old Post Road.

Every October, many people visit Van Cortlandt Manor for the "Blaze." This event started in 2005. It features thousands of pumpkins that are carved into amazing designs by a creative team.

Croton-on-Hudson is home to a special kind of traffic light called a "dummy light." It sits on a pedestal right in the middle of an intersection. This type of traffic light dates back to the 1920s.

Education

Most of the village is part of the Croton-Harmon Union Free School District. A smaller part of the village is in the Hendrick Hudson School District. Hendrick Hudson High School is the main high school for that district.

Religious Organizations

Croton-on-Hudson has several religious groups. These include:

Asbury United Methodist Church (Methodist)
Briarcliff, Ossining, Croton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (Unitarian Universalist)
Community Bible Church (Non-denominational Christian)
Emin Society (North East American base)
Holy Name of Mary (Catholic)
Our Saviour Lutheran (Lutheran)
St. Augustine's (Episcopal)
Temple Israel of Northern Westchester (Reform Judaism)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)

Recreation and Parks

Croton-on-Hudson offers many places for outdoor fun and learning. These include:

Croton Dam: This dam on the Croton River creates the New Croton Reservoir.
Croton Point Park: A large 508-acre park on a peninsula in the Hudson River.
Van Cortlandt Manor: A historic site at the mouth of the Croton River.
Teatown Lake Reservation: A 1000-acre nature preserve and conservation center.
Jane E. Lytle Memorial Croton Arboretum: This area protects over 20 acres of wetlands and woods.
Brinton Brook Sanctuary: A large sanctuary with over three miles of hiking trails.
Croton Landing Park: A 12.2-acre park with a scenic walkway along the Hudson River. It has a memorial for the September 11 attacks.
Senasqua Park: A 4.6-acre park along the Hudson River with a sailing school and playground.
Silver Lake Park: A 13.5-acre park with a beach along the Croton River.
Black Rock Park: A 10.5-acre park on the Croton River, popular for fly fishing and picnics.
Mayo's Landing: A 1.1-acre park along the Croton River.
Paradise Island Park: A 22.2-acre undeveloped island in the Croton River.

Croton-on-Hudson in Film and Television

Many films and TV shows have been filmed or mentioned Croton-on-Hudson:

Daylight: Trucks in the opening scene drive through Croton-on-Hudson.
Reds: A cottage in the film was supposed to be in Croton-on-Hudson.
War of the Worlds: Scenes were filmed at Croton Point.
30 Rock: An episode called "Retreat to Move Forward" was set here.
Madam Secretary (2016): Filmed on the Croton River.
Kings: An episode was filmed at the Croton Dam.
General Hospital: A storyline mentioned a character burying someone in Croton.
Gods Behaving Badly: Scenes were shot at Croton Point Park.
UnderDog (1964–1973): The Croton Reservoir was mentioned in an episode.
You Were Never Really Here (2017): A scene was filmed at the Croton-Harmon Station.

Croton-on-Hudson, New York facts for kids

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