Cortland County 's breathtaking vistas resulted from
glaciers, which carved its valleys, shaped its hills, and watered the region through rivers, lakes, and creeks. It was virgin territory until just after the Revolutionary War, when New York State designated thousands of acres to be compensation for enlistees in two post-war regiments. By 1808, the population approached 8,000, and people began to
petition the state legislature to create a county separate from Onondaga. They named Cortland County after the state 's first lieutenant governor. As you delve into Cortland County, the prolific and diverse
photographic collection will take you on a journey into the past, illustrating the nuances of life, both work and play, that have been at the core of Cortland County 's history and prosperity. Learn how these vibrant communities evolved into what they are today through the devotion of the historians at Cortland County Historical Society."