When Did These Two Hudson Valley Counties Break Up?

Have you ever heard of two counties breaking up? I came across this information and thought it was too good to pass up and to not share with other New York state history buffs.

We're surrounded by rich and fascinating historical tales all throughout New York. While some history lessons have been taught already about our area, others remain a mystery or soon to be revealed.

There's endless opportunities to learn about the past within the Hudson Valley. Each county has a story to tell.

Is Your Favorite Hudson Valley County On These Maps?

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Everyone has their favorite county or two that's located within the Hudson Valley. However, one county located in New York state may be debatable about being in the Hudson Valley.

According to Geographic.org, there are several towns and cities that exist in Sullivan County, NY.

Have you ever heard of Bloomingburg, Callicoon, Hurleyuville, Liberty or Livingston Manor before? These are some of the many towns and cities that can be found in Sullivan County, NY.

I have also visited Wurtsboro and White Lake in Sullivan County, NY. I have always considered these cities and towns to be a part of the Hudson Valley.

However, I came across a map that didn't show Sullivan County, NY on it and I was surprised. On the map, it showed Lower Hudson Valley, Middle Hudson Valley and Upper Hudson Valley.

According to the National Park Service,

The Lower Hudson Valley can be referred to as Rockland and Westchester counties while Middle Hudson Valley is known as Orange, Putnam, Dutchess and Ulster counties. The Upper Hudson Valley would include Greene, Columbia, Albany and Rensselaer counties.

Therefore, the National Park Service does not mention Sullivan County, NY on the map.

Where Does Upstate New York Technically Begin?

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A poll was taken on WRRV's Facebook page about where upstate New York begins. This heated debate was filled with mixed reviews and many different answers. Ultimately, I believe the answer to this lies within each resident's personal opinion.

SEE MORE: Which New York Town Made The List Of "Best Christmas Town In America"?

What Is Sullivan County, NY Home To?

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Sullivan County is the home to the 1969 Woodstock Festival at Yasgur's Farm. Today, guests can visit Bethel Woods Center for the Arts to feel the love of this festival, attend outdoor concerts and visit their location year round.

Sullivan County, NY is also the home to the Monticello Casino, Crystal Connection and The Hippie Muffler Man Statue.

Recently, a Sullivan County gas station has gotten a major facelift. The Hudson Valley's hottest new food truck is also located in Sullivan County, NY.

What Is Ulster County, NY Home To?

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Ulster County, NY is the home to the "Best Retail Bakery In America". This staple within the community continues to bring family traditions to the Hudson Valley.

The "Home Of The Famous Raisin Pumpernickel Bread" is also located in Ulster County, NY.

The oldest intersection in America is hidden within the Hudson Valley. It's possible that you have passed through this intersection in Kingston, NY.

Uncle Sam's house is located in Catskill, NY and the basement is now converted into a tiki bar business.

Sullivan and Ulster County were both the home to the Borscht Belt region. However, guests can now visit the pop up exhibit of the Borscht Belt Pop Up Museum in Ellenville, NY.

When Did These Two Hudson Valley Counties Break Up?

Sullivan and Ulster counties decided to part ways and ultimately, broke up.

Census.gov shared

"Sullivan County was founded in 1809 after splitting from Ulster County. "

"One year after Sullivan County's founding, the 1810 Census counted its population at 6,108 inhabitants. "

Hudson Valley Directory also shared,

"In 1683, New York State established its first twelve counties. Ulster County was one of them. Its boundaries at that time included the present Sullivan County, and portions of the present Delaware and Greene Counties."

" In 1797, portions of Otsego and Ulster Counties were split off to create Delaware County. In 1800, portions of Albany and Ulster Counties were split off to create Greene County. "

"In 1809, Sullivan County was split off from Ulster County."

Which Hudson Valley counties are your favorite? Tell us more below.

Take a Tour of Sullivan County, NY's Newest Underground Salt Cave

Crystal Connection is a 1890's antique, Methodist church located in Sullivan County, NY. This is a crystal lover's dream come true.

It's known for being

"One of the largest Crystal & Mineral destinations on the Northeast."

While this may be a place that some people gather often, others can refer to it as a hidden gem in the Hudson Valley. Crystal Connection can also be described as

"a sacred space & crystal haven"

I have never experienced anything similar to Crystal Connection before. The amount of crystals, crystal jewelry, singing bowls, sage and more are fascinating. Crystal Connection also hosts different events and fairs throughout the year.

Take a tour through Crystal Connection's newest underground salt cave experience.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay, Crystal Connection, YouTube

Sneak Peek at Highly Anticipated Hudson Valley Museum

A New Museum Will Open In The Catskills Featuring Hollywood's Biggest Stars

The Borscht Belt Museum will open in Ulster County,NY. This allows for the history of the Borscht Belt to carry on in the Hudson Valley.

While celebrities in the past visited the Borscht Belt region, there will be more involved in the community when this museum opens in 2025.

Fran Drescher And Fellow Celebrities Will Sit On A Hudson Valley Museum Board

Fran Drescher is a celebrity that almost everyone likes. Known for her role as Fran Fine in The Nanny, the world couldn't help but laugh at her jokes, statements, and relatable interactions with other members of the show.

According to Yahoo News,

Fran Drescher isn't the only celebrity who will be in the Catskills.

"The museum’s list of advisory board members includes Fran Drescher, Harvey Fierstein, Judd Hirsch, Robert Klein and Richard Lewis — a fitting cast for a place where some of the nation’s top comedians got their start."

Have You Ever Heard Of The Borscht Belt?

According to Borscht Belt Museum.org,

"For generations of Jews in the New York metropolitan area, there was no doubt about the location of those “mountains.” Less than 100 miles from the cramped, sweltering tenements of Manhattan’s Lower East Side was a lush patchwork of forests, farms and bustling rural towns that hosted a summertime population of nearly a million urban strivers hungry for the clean air, fresh food and familiar camaraderie that even a garment worker or cab driver could afford."

Spending the summer in the Catskills sounds ideal.

"From the turn of the 20th century to the 1970s, more than 1,000 hotels, bungalow colonies, summer camps and boarding houses dotted the Catskill Mountains of southern New York. At first they came by train, and later, by bus and car along The Quickway, now known as Route 17."

Some may know this area or region to be called Solomon County, Jewish Alps or The Mountains. The Borscht Belt was also another term that most people remember the most.

How Can You Visit The Borscht Belt Museum In Ellenville, NY?

I took a day trip to the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, NY. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a humorous sign stating "Come in and schmooze, free admission".

When I entered the museum, I was greeted by a volunteer. I was able to walk around and see memorabilia from the different resorts of the Borscht Belt region and community.

I was also told that this museum is a pop up for now, they will continue to change the set up as well. 2025 marks the year that the Borscht Belt Museum will officially open.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

Filed Under: Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley counties, Hudson Valley county, Hudson Valley History, new york state, Sullivan County, Ulster County

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