Sullivan County’s Long-Forgotten Connection to the Hudson River in New York

Sullivan County has had a long history of tourism and hospitality. Many of their local organizations work hard every day to better enhance the lifestyle and enjoyment of the Hudson Valley. But that's the thing; though, is Sullivan County actually in the Hudson Valley?

Sullivan County has been a popular vacation spot since the 19th Century, with mountain climbing, boating, and other outdoor activities, and the Monticello Raceway being among the attractions.

The majority of the tourism occurs in the summer months. It was the site of the hundreds of resort complexes of the Borscht Belt (with their golf courses, social events, and entertainers), between the 1920s and 1970s. It was the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

When you think of the Hudson Valley, you think of the counties that are directly on the Hudson River. Sullivan County sits west of Orange and Ulster Counties. So, does it actually count?

Is Sullivan County Actually A Part of the Hudson Valley?

I asked the question on social media, and we got mixed results.

Jimmy Bielli posed an interesting follow-up question, "Let's settle this debate first: is Sullivan County actually real? Cause every time I've ever been there I've had the distinct feeling that I'm not in a real place."

Scott Stark said, "No, there are three Hudson Valley regions, Upper middle and lower. I believe the county actually has to border the river."

Tina Mydosh said, "Yes, more than Westchester." Shots at Westchester County.

Sue Mowris said, "Only when it's an attempt to attract tourists." I can understand that sentiment.

Read More: NY's Largest Indoor Water Park Lives in the Sullivan Catskills

Christine Mills "Yes it is. Goggle it 👍🏽"

Art Fitzgerald said, "No its the Catskills. To be part of the hudson valley you have to be along the Hudson River."

Sean Rieber said, "Depends if the Governor is doing a Hudson Valley or a Catskills economic project that week."

Colleen Noonan said, "Uh nope! Sorry, They are part of the Catskill Region."

John Mcgarry said, "The whole Western half of the County is in the Delaware Valley!!!!!!"

Thomas Bryda said, "Here's the way I've seen it told: Good news: Yes it's part of the Hudson Valley. Bad news: No its not. So I guess it just depends on what kind of story is coming out. But I always believed no, it's not part of the Hudson Valley even though we get taxed and rules just about the same."

Sullivan County's Long-Forgotten Connection to the Hudson River

Throughout the 19th century the D & H Canal together with the Pennsylvania Coal Company gravity railroad expanded, struggled and transformed to become part of a 171-mile transportation system. In the latter part of the 1800s, railroads grew while canals declined. Transportation by canal was limited by winter weather conditions, droughts and floods. Railroads were better able to reach new markets. By the turn of the 20th century in the Upper Delaware River Valley, the Erie Railroad was thriving and the D & H Canal was abandoned in 1898.

Today, little survives of the D & H Canal and its associated industries. Sullivan County maintains the largest remaining fragment of the canal, some of which is still wet, as the Delaware and Hudson Canal Linear Park. Hiking, cross-country skiing and jogging, bicycling and fishing are permitted along the 3.5-mile (5.6 km), 45-acre (18 ha) section near Summitville, north of Wurtsboro in the Town of Mamakating. Much of the land is beginning to return to its natural state due to the long years since the canal was abandoned. Some locks and other structures can be found from three different access points along US Route 209. The county park provides a seasonal interpretive facility at the northerly Bova Road access.

Why Mountain Ranges Cause Sullivan County to be Grouped in the Hudson Valley

According to Brittanica, the Hudson Valley is between the Catskill Mountains on the west and the Taconic Range on the east. One of the biggest reasons why Sullivan County is considered a part of the Hudson Valley is also one of the biggest reasons why it is not considered the Hudson Valley: The Catskills.

What Do Modern Agencies, Organizations, and Governments say About Sullivan County?

Just like the answers from the public, finding an official answer is not easy, either. Let's look at the accounts that say it is NOT in the Hudson Valley:

The Hudson River Valley Heritage Area does not include Sullivan County on their list of Hudson Valley Counties. If you go to the dropdown menu on the Hudson Valley Tourism website, it does not include Sullivan County.

Wikipedia says the county is part of the Hudson Valley region of the state. New York's location within the U.S. The county was the site of hundreds of Borscht Belt hotels and resorts, which had their heyday from the 1920s through the 1970s. But obviously, you can't just go off of Wikipedia.

The New York State Government website defines the Mid-Hudson Valley as spanning "seven counties – Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester – and is one of New York State’s most vibrant business environments." If the New York State official website says Sullivan County is in the Hudson Valley, then I guess it is! However, they also list Rockland and Westchester Counties as being "Mid-Hudson," which is a pretty bold statement. They are typically referred to as Lower Hudson Valley.

Does this really answer the question? No, not really. It's something that will be left ambiguous for all time. In short; though, if you're referring to counties directly on the Hudson River, then no, it is not a part of the Hudson Valley. That being said, if you're referring to the geographical mountain ranges that make up and surround the Hudson Valley, then there is a strong argument to say that it is.