City of Cortland

City of Cortland. ~ A Lakeshore Community ~. In 1943 your view looking west across Mosquito Creek from Cortland's Main Street was an iron framed bridge. Thick woods blocked the view of where the road, now known as Everett Hull Road, connected with Klondike Corners., Life, and the view, was about to change for many people who had homes and farms from the middle of Mecca, Greene and Bazetta townships., Cortland became a lakeshore community when the excavation was finished, and the lake filled up. While the city began 140 years before the lake was created, the population increased steadily after the lake was built. In 2019, the population is 7,200. The population of Bazetta is a little over 6,000., This old bridge sat in the middle of the lake until winter when ice pushed against the abutments and it fell into the water. Eventually most of the metal was removed, but some of it remains. Photo courtesy of the Durst family., This 1946 photograph shows Main Street just two years after Mosquito Creek Lake became a reality. Note Richards Mill at the end of the street. On the left is McCurley's hospital, now the Cortland Lions building. The lake is just barely visible at the end of the street., Aerial view of the Mosquito Creek Lake from Cortland. In 1944, the population of Cortland was a little over 800. The proximity of the city to the lake as well as just a short drive from Warren helps make this an attractive community for families. Mosquito Lake State Park surrounds most of the lake that is in Bazetta township and Mecca township. It attracts many visitors, and many residents have boats for fishing or fun on the water., Today, the end of West Main Street ends in a boat dock area. It is a favorite spot for those who love beautiful sunsets., Veterans Memorial, S. High Street, Cortland, honors those who have served, or continue to serve, in the military. The memorial was created in 2018. Pavers with names of military personnel creates a lasting piece of local history for visitors.