Town of Fortville

Cephas Fort made the original plat survey of Fortville on his property in 1849. He anticipated the arrival of the railroad throughout the area and hoped to see it run through his property. The “Bee Line” Railroad (later the New York Central) did exactly that in 1852. The railroad station was named Fortville in honor of Cephas Fort. The town center grew somewhat south and east of its original location as a result. Fortville was officially incorporated in 1865 with a population of 240 inhabitants. The petition was brought before the County Commissioners in September. They designated September 30th as the day to hold the vote. Thirty-six people voted for, and nineteen against, incorporating the Town.