History of Greene

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Settled in 1792 by Stephen Ketchum, Greene is a historic community of well-kept homes, shops and businesses. Here the past and present achieve an unusual and enduring sense of harmony.

Here, the circle goes unbroken, offering lifelong residents and first-time visitors alike a rare opportunity to reach out and touch the fabric of our lives... past, present, and future.

Originally named "Hornby," the village was early on renamed to honor Revolutionary War hero Major General Nathaniel Greene. The first town meeting was held in 1801, by which time Greene consisted of 13 log cabins, all built along the highlands surrounding the Chenango River. The village itself was laid out in 1806.

The Chenango River, and later the Chenango Canal, proved very important to Greene. River rafts brought the Ketchum family and other intrepid settlers to Greene from various points of origin to the Northeast.

The opening of the Chenango Canal in 1837 assured prosperity to the community, which was already enjoying the fruits of commerce made possible by the construction 20 years earlier of the Catskill-Ithaca and Susquehanna-Bath turnpikes.

Farming and rich river bottom lands of the Chenango River Basin added to Greene's lasting economic strength and vitality.

Now termed as an "antique and arts community," boasting restaurants, well-established businesses and unique shops, Greene preserves the best of the past, without losing sight of the future. You are invited to explore this special community and to enjoy all the history, charm, and hospitality it has to offer!

MAP OF THE VILLAGE OF HORNBY IN 1806 BEFORE ADOPTING THE NAME "GREENE" AFTER GEN. NATHANAEL GREENE.

To see more on Hornby and the earliest settlers, be sure to check out the "Days of Hornby" page.