OLD MONEY, NEW MONEY: BANKING GOES LOCAL TO GLOBAL

All the town elders were in on forming the Catskill banking institution back in the early 1800s. These forward-thinkers were also in on what had promised to be the nation's first railroad, designed to shortcut the Erie Canal. It only went to the county border then, but it was still a first.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Catskill businessmen were eclectic. They sent ships to the West Indies for rum and molasses, traded with Europe, and eventually built textile factories that made paper and then lingerie. They knew that their ventures would be backed by the town's bankers, who were often close friends to the town's businessmen.

Even though many of Catskill's banks are now owned by corporations based elsewhere, they maintain their small-town character and care as well as Main Street's fine old banks did back then.

Catskill is proud of its own homegrown Bank of Greene County - a countywide success that become public and is listed on the NASDAQ Exchange. First Niagara and its affiliate, First Niagara Mortgage, are keyed into the rising residential market. The giant HSBC offers connectivity to the whole globe.

It all adds up to one of the key components of any county, town or rising residential or business area: a financial backbone one can count on for a successful future.

Walking Tour: To take self-guided walking tour of Main Street Catskill, click here.

Lodging: To find a lodging facility, click here.

Dining: To find a dining facility, click here.