Monticello is a village & the county seat located in the Town of Thompson in Sullivan County. Catskill Mountains aka the infamous Borscht Belt.

Around the turn of the 19 cent, William Thompson, an immigrant from Connecticut, established the 1st permanent settlement in Thompson, subsequently called Thompsonville in his honor. The 1st stimulus for growth in the region was the construction of the Newburgh-Cochecton Turnpike, which passed through the present site of the Village of Monticello. The turnpike brought settlers interested in lumbering.

The Jones brothers erected the first industry in 1804 - a sawmill. They proceeded to sell lots along the turnpike. As the street developed into a hamlet, the Jones brothers selected Monticello as a name because of their great admiration for Thomas Jefferson. Also, the name means "heavenly mountains". The turnpike later became Route 17. In 1830, Monticello was incorporated as a village.

With the advent of the automobile and the improvement of the roads, Monticello soon began to realize a population increase. Suddenly the wealth of folklore, scenery, and recreation elements in the Catskills were discovered by the city dwellers.

New Yorkers streamed into the clean air of the mountains for vacationing. This led to the development of the resort business. Many stayed, opening businesses of their own, bungalow colonies blossomed. Hunting & fishing camps were created. Private children camps, churches, mushroomed throughout the region.

Monticello is located on Route 17 (I-86), that promises to be the future home of one or more Indian casinos -- including one at the renowned harness racetrack.

You will find a nice collection of photos and cards of the past, in the photo album, also be sure to check out the links page to other neighboring towns and counties. Share your memories of Monticello, Sackett Lake, Kiamesha Lake, and other towns and communities next door.