Cortland, County seat in Southern Tier region, New York, United States.
Cortland is a city in the Southern Tier region of New York set at approximately 1,130 feet elevation, nestled within the Appalachian Plateau landscape. The downtown area contains a university campus, local shops, and residential neighborhoods, with outdoor recreation areas surrounding the city.
The city was founded in 1791 and named after Pierre Van Cortlandt, the first lieutenant governor of New York who played a prominent role in the state's early history. It was officially incorporated as New York's 41st city in 1900.
The State University of New York at Cortland shapes daily life through student presence, campus events, and research activities that draw people from surrounding areas. This institution serves as a major employer and gathering place for the region.
The city is accessible via several highways and local bus services, with nearby airports for visitors from farther away. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous trails and parks in the surrounding area.
The city seal displays forty-one stars, with forty representing previously incorporated cities and one central star symbolizing Cortland's position as the state's 41st city. This design detail is often overlooked but admired by those interested in local history.
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