Catskill Was Founded by Artists

Thomas Cole, America's leading landscape painter during the nineteenth century, was born on in Bolton-le-Moor, England. In April 1825 Cole moved to New York, where his family had also relocated. That summer he made an extensive sketching tour up the Hudson River and into the Catskill Mountains. Today, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, NY, marks the birthplace of this nation’s first major art movement. 

Eventually, Catskill was recognized for its natural resources, specifically clay for brick making. Its central location to many trade routes and the Hudson River became a major supplier to the region and New York City. Today, Catskill is known for its small-town, artistic presence and neighbor to the well-known tourist destination, Hudson, New York. Catskill's attraction has been on the rise over the last decade but the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated its growth. Since then, many new businesses and home owners have flocked to Catskill contributing to the artistic relevancy and growth. 


In a recent article by the New York Times, it named Catskill the "New Mecca for Artists". They recognized the early stages of the Foreland Building development and small businesses on Main Street.