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Cortland, NY

Frequently asked questions

Cortland, NY

Cortland is a city and the county seat of Cortland County, New York, United States. Known as the Crown City, Cortland is in New York's Southern Tier region. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 17,556. 

The city of Cortland, near the county's western border, is surrounded by the town of Cortlandville.

The city is within the former Central New York Military Tract. It is named after Pierre Van Cortlandt, the first lieutenant governor of New York. 

Cortland, settled in 1791, was made a village in 1853 (rechartered in 1864), and incorporated in 1900 as New York's 41st city. When the county was formed in 1808, Cortland vied with other villages to become the county seat. Known as the "Crown City" because of its location on a plain formed by the convergence of seven valleys, Cortland is 1,130 feet (340 m) above sea level. Forty stars representing the 40 cities incorporated before Cortland circle the State of New York and the Crown on the city's official seal. The seven points of the crown represent the seven valleys surrounding Cortland. The 41st star in the center of the crown illustrates Cortland as the incorporated city closest to New York's geographic center.

Cortland is in west-central Cortland County at 42°36′2″N 76°10′53″W (42.600658, −76.181284). Cortland lies between Syracuse and Binghamton; it is surrounded by the town of Cortlandville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 3.92 square miles (10.14 km²), of which 3.90 square miles (10.09 km²) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km²), or 0.51%, is water. The Tioughnioga River, a tributary of the Susquehanna River, flows southward past the city.

Health and wellness are highly prioritized in Cortland, with a range of healthcare facilities, including Cortland Medical Center, offering comprehensive medical services to the community. Relaxation seekers can visit Serenity Day Spa & Salon, which provides a range of services including massages, facials, and body treatments in a serene environment. For fitness enthusiasts, Cortland YMCA offers a comprehensive fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment, group exercise classes, and swimming facilities. The Cortland focuses on personal training and group fitness classes tailored to different fitness levels and goals. Those looking to enhance their mental and physical well-being can attend yoga and meditation classes at Heart Centered Yoga, which emphasizes flexibility, mindfulness, and stress reduction. Additionally, Elevate Fitness | Cortland Living provides affordable fitness options and wellness programs for all ages, promoting a healthy lifestyle through activities like Zumba, indoor cycling, and wellness workshops. These diverse facilities and activities make Cortland a vibrant community dedicated to health, wellness, and overall well-being.

Top Sites in Cortland, NY: Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown, Cortland Rural Cemetery, 1890 House Museum.

Population: 17,314 (2022). ZIP Code: 13045. Area code: 607. Elevation: 1,166 ft (355 m). Area: 3.91 sq mi (10.14 km²).

FAQs

What is Cortland, NY famous for?

Cortland's leading industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was the Wickwire Brothers wire-drawing mill, noted for its production of wire hardware cloth for use as window screens. The extent of the Wickwires' wealth is demonstrated in the two magnificent mansions they commissioned. The Victorian Chateauesque-style home of Chester Wickwire is now operated as the 1890 House Museum & Center for Victorian Arts. Charles Wickwire's 1912 home is now owned and operated by the SUNY Cortland Alumni Association.

Why is Cortland, NY called the Crown City?

The City of Cortland settled in 1791, was incorporated in 1900 as the 41st city in the State of New York. Known as the "Crown City" because of its location on a plain formed by the convergence of seven valleys, Cortland is situated about 1,130 feet above sea level, making it the uppermost city to crown the state. 40 stars, representing the 40 cities incorporated before Cortland, circle the State of New York and the Crown on the Official City Seal.

What is the racial makeup of Cortland, NY?

In 2022, there were 22 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (15.4k people) in Cortland, NY than any other race or ethnicity. There were 700 Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 375 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups. Cortland, NY is home to a population of 17.6k people, of which 99.2% are citizens. As of 2022, 2.91% of Cortland, NY residents were born outside of the country (512 people).

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Cortland

Guthrie

Healthgrades

Rec Desk

Britannica

Data USA

Cortland Country Music Park

Cortland Repertory Theatre

Lime Hollow Nature Center

Cortland Rural Cemetery

The1890

Serenity Day Spa & Salon

Cortland YMCA

The Cortland

Heart Centered Yoga

Cortland Living

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