Chautauqua County

Chautauqua County is a county in the Southern Tier region of New York with rolling terrain and multiple waterways. The landscape includes forests, open land, and lakes that define the character of the area.

The county was formed in 1808 and officially organized in 1811 after being home to different Native peoples including the Erie and Seneca nations. These early histories shaped the region's development.

The area is linked to the Chautauqua movement, which brought educational programs and cultural gatherings to the region starting in the 1870s. Today, these traditions continue through local institutions and community events that shape how people gather and learn here.

The county is accessible by car from multiple directions and has several towns that serve as good starting points for exploring the region. It offers educational institutions that host events and programs open to visitors.

The central lake in the area sits at a geographical crossroads where water divides and flows toward two different oceans. One direction leads toward the Gulf of Mexico while the other moves toward the Atlantic Ocean.

Location: New York

Inception: February 9, 1811

Capital city: Mayville

Part of: Southern Tier

Shares border with: Erie County, Warren County, Cattaraugus County

Website: https://chqgov.com

GPS coordinates: 42.30000,-79.41000

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:21