Woodstock Thirty Years After Woodstock
Some History of a Small New York Town With a Famous Name
Aug 9, 2009
Woodstock is located in Ulster County in upstate New York and is home to just more than 6,000 residents. Known for its thriving arts and crafts community, the town has been home to a large creative community since the early 1900s. Although the legendary music Festival is named after the town, it was actually held on a farm about 40 miles away in Bethel, New York. However, Woodstock remains a destination for many artists and activists.
Arts and Crafts History in Woodstock
In 1903, the world's oldest arts and crafts colony, Byrdcliffe, established the beginnings of n arts scene in Woodstock. Since that time, many other famous arts organizations have called Woodstock home, including the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum and the Woodstock School of Art. In 1981, the town was host to a jazz festival that attracted artists such as Pat Metheny and Chick Corea. Additionally, many well known musicians and artists have called Woodstock home, including Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Johnny Cash and Elizabeth Mitchell. The Artists Cemetery is the final resting place for many who created art in the small town.
Woodstock Tourism
Located near the Catskills, Woodstock is a popular tourist destinaton for many reasons, including its amazing landscape. Filled with gorgeous trees and rolling green hills, Woodstock is breathtaking. It's ideal for people looking to go hiking or want to take a drive to see the colors in autumn. Many visitors also come for the Mavericks Concerts series, which takes place every summer, featuring musicians from mid-July to the end of August.
The closest airport is located in Albany, which is about 50 miles north. There are many lodging options, including campsites, bed and breakfasts and resorts.
Woodstock the Music Festival
Woodstock was originally supposed to be held in Middletown, NY but the Zoning Board in the county banned it. According to the festival's official website a farmer in nearby Bethel, NY agreed to rent out his 600 acres for the concert, which was supposed to attract no more than 50,000. Of course, more than 500,000 concert goers packed the 600 acres and a legendary experience was born.
The land in Bethel is still preserved and in 2006, The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts was opened, with a performance by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young who preformed at the original Woodstock Festival. Because Woodstock, which was the only other town near Bethel, NY of any size, had such a rich arts history, giving the festival its name seemed only appropriate.
Town of Woodstock Today
According to the 2000 census, more than 38% of the residents in Woodstock at age 45 to 64. The town's older demographic is much of the reason the town's rich history has been preserved. May artists sell their creations on the street during the warmer months. The main source of income for most families is the arts and crafts industry, as well as local businesses.
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