This town formerly belonged to the great manor of Cortlandt, which also comprehended the present townships of North Salem, Somers, Yorktown and a large portion of Lewisboro'. The name itself is derived from the the ancient family of the Van Cortlandts', the mesne Lords, and first grantees from the Indians. Under the Mohegans or "enchanted wolf tribe," Cortlandt-town appears to have been divided between the two chiefs of Sachus and Ketchawany -- the former of whom exercised jurisdiction over the lands of Weshqua, Canopus, Wenneebus, Appamaghpogh and Meahagh, a territory extending from the south side of Verplanck's Point to St. Anthony's nose in the Highlands, whilst the latter held authority over the lands of Kitchawan, lying south of Veq^lanck's Point, including Senasqua neck, (Teller's Point,) and the small island of Oscawana.

The Indian villages in their order were, first, Kitchawonk, situated near the mouth of the Croton, so-called from the original name of the river, viz : " Kitchawan," a term which is descriptive of " a large and swift-flowing current." Croton, the present name of the same stream, is said to have been adopted from an illustrious Sachem of that name who resided here at an early period.

" The first name of importance above the island (remarks Mr. Schoolcraft) is Croton -- a name of classic sound, but unquestionably derived from the Indian, though a corruption of the original, and not originally applied by them to the River.

In a deed dated 16S5. A^jhich is quoted by Judge Benson, the river is called Kitchawan. " Croton as stated by the same authority is a cor-