Ashland, New York History, Economy and Politics
Ashland, New York is a small town located in the Catskill Mountains of Greene County. The town is situated between the Hudson and Catskill Rivers, and is bordered by the towns of Cairo, Catskill and Hunter. Ashland has a total area of 7.3 square miles, with 5.3 square miles of land and 2.0 square miles of water. Visit Photionary to learn about Albany County, New York.
The terrain around Ashland is mostly hilly with some flat areas near the rivers. The highest point in the town is 1,567 feet above sea level at an unnamed peak near the eastern boundary with Cairo. Much of the land surrounding Ashland is forested and there are several state-owned conservation areas nearby including Kaaterskill Wild Forest and Catskill Park which offer hiking trails, swimming holes, fishing spots and other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
The climate in Ashland is typical for the region with cold winters and warm summers that are usually milder than other parts of New York State due to its higher elevation. Average temperatures range from lows in the teens during winter months to highs in the upper 80s during summer months with occasional snowfall throughout the year.
Overall, Ashland’s geography offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty with easy access to nearby attractions such as Kaaterskill Falls or Hunter Mountain Ski Resort which make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape city life for a few days each year.
History of Ashland, New York
Ashland, New York was first settled in 1750 by a group of Dutch and German settlers who named the area “Ashland” after their hometown of Ashland in Germany. The town was officially established in 1791 and quickly grew into a prosperous farming community. In the early 19th century, it became known as an important stop on the Catskill Turnpike which connected New York City to Albany and the Hudson Valley.
The town experienced significant growth during the 19th century as it became a popular destination for city dwellers looking for a respite from city life. By 1855, Ashland had become an important center of commerce with several stores, hotels, churches and factories operating within its boundaries.
During the Civil War, Ashland served as a recruiting center for Union soldiers and several local men were among those who fought in the war. Afterward, many of these veterans returned to their hometown to start businesses or become farmers once again. As such, much of Ashland’s economy was based on agriculture until well into the 20th century when tourism began to play an increasingly important role in its development.
Today, Ashland is still largely rural with most of its population living in small villages scattered throughout the town. Despite this, it remains a popular destination for visitors looking to explore its natural beauty or take part in some of its many outdoor activities such as fishing or hiking along one of its many trails.
Economy of Ashland, New York
The economy of Ashland, New York is largely based on tourism and agriculture. Tourism has been a major contributor to the town’s economy since the 19th century when city dwellers began to flock to the area for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Today, visitors come from all over the world to explore Ashland’s many attractions such as Kaaterskill Falls or Hunter Mountain Ski Resort.
Agriculture has also been an important part of Ashland’s economy since its founding in 1791. The town is home to several large farms which produce a variety of crops including apples, peaches, corn, hay, and dairy products. These farms are an important source of employment for many locals and help keep the town’s economy strong.
In addition to these two main economic sectors, Ashland also has a vibrant small business sector which includes restaurants, retail stores, hotels and other services catering to tourists visiting the area. There are also several industrial parks located within the town limits which provide jobs in manufacturing and other industries.
Overall, Ashland’s economy is diverse and provides employment opportunities for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or simply want to relax in one of its many attractions, there is something in this charming Catskill mountain town for everyone.
Politics in Ashland, New York
The politics of Ashland, New York is largely dominated by the Democratic Party. The town is represented in the US House of Representatives by Democrat Antonio Delgado and in the State Assembly by Democrat Didi Barrett. Additionally, the town’s mayor and all five members of its town board are Democrats.
The Democratic Party has long been a major force in Ashland’s politics due to its strong support from local voters. In recent years, the party has been able to maintain its hold on power through a combination of grassroots campaigning and strong support from local organizations such as unions and environmental groups.
Despite its strong Democratic leanings, there are still many issues that draw bipartisan support in Ashland. This includes issues such as preserving open space, protecting local waterways, maintaining a vibrant tourism industry, and supporting small businesses.
Overall, Ashland’s politics are largely shaped by the Democratic Party but it is still an open environment where people from all backgrounds can express their opinions and be heard. This has allowed for meaningful dialogue between different political parties and has helped foster an atmosphere of collaboration between them on important issues facing the town.
