Westchester County's history and the records of its development reveal the quintessential American story.The county expanded from Native American settlements prior to the arrival of the Europeans to the small population centers and farms of 17th- and 18th-century colonists, then to the large urban centers created during the expanding industrialization of the 19th century, and finally to the advent of the suburbs in the mid-20th century.

The county’s immediate proximity to New York City affected development at every stage--from the great public water projects begun in the 1800s to the development of suburban communities in the 1900s. Waves of immigrants made their mark upon the landscape and continue to do so today. At the beginning of the 21st century, Westchester is a bustling county of nearly one million people that is proud of its history and its place in the American story.

Enter the Communities page to sample Westchester’s historical records from repositories throughout the county.