The town of Cortlandt in Westchester County, New York, was named for the founding family.  The Van Cortlandts began purchasing the land that has become the town in 1677.  It became a town under the Township Act of 1788, which named twenty townships within Westchester County. Interestingly, Philip Van Cortlandt of the founding family was the first Supervisor of the township.

During the 19th and 20th century, the town of Cortlandt remained mostly a rural area, with all major activity being agricultural.  Seasonally, bungalows were utilized by vacationers from New York City.  In the mid-20th century, however, Federal housing projects and improvements to roads, as well as upgrades to the railroad system, made the town a major suburb of the City, and many residents began commuting to New York City and White Plains for work.

School districts, hospitals, and government are the major sources of employment within Cortlandt, though the Town Shopping Center has also become the largest employer within the town.  The area is predominately made up of middle to upper-middle class residents, with a median income for a family close to $90,000.  Located on the Hudson River, Cortlandt is considered a prime living area, and the community is a welcoming environment for singles, couples, and family alike.