CORTLAND

county, central New York state, U.S., located midway between the cities of Syracuse and Binghamton. It is drained by the Tioughnioga and Otselic rivers. Other waterways are Tully, Song, and Little York lakes. The hilly terrain supports such ski areas as Song Mountain, Greek Peak, and Labrador Mountain. Hardwood trees dominate forested regions. Onondaga Indians, members of the Iroquois Confederacy, may have inhabited the region in the 17th century. In the early 20th century Italian immigrants were employed as seasonal agricultural workers. The city of Cortland is the county seat and the home of the State University of New York College at Cortland (founded 1868). The principal towns are Homer, McGraw, and Marathon. Cortland county was created in 1808 and named for politician and businessman Pierre Van Cortlandt. The economy relies on tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Area 500 square miles (1,294 square km). Pop. (1990) 48,963; (1996 est.) 48,573. city, seat (1808) of Cortland county, central New York, U.S. It lies on the Tioughnioga River, 30 miles (48 km) south of Syracuse. Settled in 1791 and named for a prominent New York family, it is located in one of the state's richest farming areas. Manufactures include marine equipment, asphalt, machine tools, electronic equipment, filters, and plastic products. The area was part of a military reservation for veterans of the American Revolution. Settlement grew rapidly in the early 19th century, and industrial development was boosted with the coming of the railroad in the 1850s. The State University of New York College at Cortland was founded in 1868. Elmer Ambrose Sperry (18601930), who is credited with many inventions, including a gyroscopic compass for ships, was born there. Nearby popular ski areas include Greek Peak, Labrador Mountain, and Song Mountain. The reconstructed birthplace (cabin) of President Millard Fillmore (180074) is in Fillmore Glen State Park, about 14 miles (22 km) northwest of the city. Inc. village, 1853; city, 1900. Pop. (1990) 19,801; (1998 est.) 18,409.