Cairo

Cairo is a town in the southern portion of Greene County that is traversed by Catskill Creek. The settlement consists of scattered communities spread across a rural landscape with a mix of woodland and open areas.

The town was originally established as Canton in 1803 before being renamed Cairo in 1808. It was formed by combining sections of three neighboring communities: Catskill, Coxsackie, and Durham.

The town is made up of several distinct hamlets like Acra, Gayhead, Purling, South Cairo, and Round Top, each with its own local identity and community roots. These scattered settlements together form a network of neighborhoods that share the broader local area.

Fire protection is provided by two services: the Cairo Fire District and the Round Top Volunteer Fire Company. Medical emergencies are handled by Cairo Ambulance.

The name Cairo was a deliberate choice referencing the Egyptian city, reflecting how American settlers often borrowed names from distant places they found significant. This naming practice showed the founders' aspirations and their connection to broader geographical imagination.

Location: Greene County

Inception: 1803

Elevation above the sea: 118 m

GPS coordinates: 42.29897,-73.99847

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:08