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BHistory
History · Holland

Holland dates to 1807, and 26% of its homes were built before 1940

More historic than 63% of U.S. towns · #584 of 758 in New York. What drives it

Below: 3 old photos and papers, maps from 1894 on, and the census since 1820.

1807founded
0on the National Register
26%homes built before 1940
3old photos & papers
3famous people
Add an old photoShare a memory
Photo: Andre Carrotflower · CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answers

How Holland began

When was Holland founded?

1807

Holland dates its founding to 1807 (Wikipedia’s history). The census first counted it in 1820.

First census: 768 in 18202020 census: 3,281219 years

How historic is Holland?

B

More historic than 63% of U.S. towns, on its age, its old homes and the National Register.

What drives the grade ↓
Founding year: Wikipedia. First post office: 1822.The full story ↓
History grade

What drives Holland’s History grade

On its age, its old homes and the National Register, Holland is more historic than 63% of U.S. towns, #584 of 758 in New York. Its share of homes from before 1940 holds the grade up; its National Register listings pull it down.

B
HistoryA character grade: shown, never part of Holland’s overall grade.
Founding era1807, from Wikipedia: founded 1776–1849, an older era than 75% of U.S. townsA−Homes built before 194025.8% of homes (±7.3) · typical NY town 26.6% · U.S. 8.4%A−National RegisterNo listings counted · typical NY town 12.3 per 10,000 · U.S. 2.4C−
All U.S. towns we grade (21,289)Ahead of 63%
NewerOlder
New York towns of 2,500+ (758)Ahead of 23%

New York towns list more on the Register than most of the country (a typical New York town has 12.3 per 10,000 residents, the U.S. 2.4), so Holland’s 0.0 sits below most of its state (10% of New York towns have fewer) while its 0 listings outnumber those of 23% of U.S. towns.

How sure. Graded on any two of the three inputs instead, the letter would range from C+ to A−. The pre-1940 share is a Census survey estimate (±7.3 points). Two sources give 1807.

Founding year: Wikipedia (other dates in Quick answers). Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. National Register: National Park Service, May 2026 list; each listing counted once (boundary changes and added documentation belong to their listing), and a historic district counts its contributing buildings. How TownRatings grades history →

What stands out about Holland’s past

Read from the archive, the National Register and the record. The page puts what stands out first.

A history waiting to be writtenOnly 3 old photos are in the public archives. The rest are in attics and albums.Mapped building by building4 fire insurance maps, 1894 to 1912, drew every building in Holland.Deep rootsEstablished in 1807: 219 years of Holland.On the map since 19253 editions of the USGS map, 1925 to 1979. Watch Holland change.
★ What stands out · Help out

Start Holland’s collection

The first neighbors to add old photos shape how Holland’s history is told.

Decades since 1900 with photos
00s10s20s30s40s50s60s70s80s90s
0 of 10 decades. The empty ones are waiting for someone’s album.
Retake an old viewA. C. Osborn.; Res. of A. C. Osborn, Ho…: stand where they stood+15Share a family photoSign in to add one+10
Every building

Holland, building by building, 1894–1912

Fire insurance maps drew every building, what it was made of and what it was used for, so insurers could price the risk of fire. Pick a year, then a sheet.

Holland fire insurance map, 1894, sheet 11894Sheet 1 of 2
Edition
BrickWoodStone

Sanborn Map Company, via the Library of Congress. Editions published in 1930 or earlier, which are in the public domain.

Timeline

Holland, 1807 to 1972

Woven from the archive, old maps, post office records, the National Register and the people born here.

  1. 19th century
  2. 1807
    FoundingHolland is established
  3. 1819Born hereJames M. Humphrey is born here
  4. 1822Post officeThe Holland post office opens
  5. 1857Post officeThe Protection post office opens
  6. 1863Born hereFrank E. Wheelock is born here
  7. 1880In the archiveA. C. Osborn.; Res. of A. C. Osborn, Holland, N.Y.; Planing Mill and Residence of Horace …
  8. 20th century
  9. 1925On the mapFirst mapped by the U.S. Geological Survey
  10. 1943Post officeThe Protection post office closes
  11. 1972Born hereDave Hack is born here
The story

How Holland came to be

From Wikipedia’s history of Holland.

Read it all →

The town was first settled along its northern border, then called "Humphrey Valley", in 1807.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

From the old history books

What they wrote about Holland, 1853–1898

Passages that mention Holland, cut from the printed page as they were published.

illegal Trade in Dehnvar River, and to the Eastward that is in this Port, whereby the Merchants in those parts are able to undersell them, and they loose their Trade, and that this place will be impoverished, wliile the others grow Rich. — I have lately observed that one method taken to cover and c…
Documents relative to the colonial history of the state of New-York1853 · page 585Read the page →
Read the text

illegal Trade in Dehnvar River, and to the Eastward that is in this Port, whereby the Merchants in those parts are able to undersell them, and they loose their Trade, and that this place will be impoverished, wliile the others grow Rich. — I have lately observed that one method taken to cover and conceal Illicit Trade from Holland (the most injurious to great Brittain of all in America) is by ships from Holland taking in a double Cargo, one part of which is entered and the duties paid in Brittain, the other part is pretended to be for some foreign Port and is accordingly Reported in the Ports of great Brittain ; and I am told that whole Cargoes have been thus carried into some of the New

Text read by machine from the scan; it may contain errors.
The Puritan of England followed, but after a considerable interval, his prototype in Holland. He borrowed from Holland many of the ideas and institutions which he attempted to introduce into England, and with which he succeeded in the United States. Although in each country he was the product of th…
The Puritan in Holland, England, and America1898 · page 91Read the page →
Read the text

The Puritan of England followed, but after a considerable interval, his prototype in Holland. He borrowed from Holland many of the ideas and institutions which he attempted to introduce into England, and with which he succeeded in the United States. Although in each country he was the product of the Reformation, it was the Reformation engrafted on the past. It is therefore to their respective pasts that we must look if we would

Text read by machine from the scan; it may contain errors.
or foreign alliances, questions in which they were particularly interested, and as to which their support would be essential to the sovereign. Thus the treaty which the Count of Holland made with Edward I, of England in 1281 was guaranteed by the towns. Shortly afterwards, the towns of Holland, lar…
The Puritan in Holland, England, and America1898 · page 152Read the page →
Read the text

or foreign alliances, questions in which they were particularly interested, and as to which their support would be essential to the sovereign. Thus the treaty which the Count of Holland made with Edward I, of England in 1281 was guaranteed by the towns. Shortly afterwards, the towns of Holland, large and small, are seen sending their deputies to the assembly of the states, to consider questions of taxation ; but by th-e fif-

Text read by machine from the scan; it may contain errors.
the King's Officers in my Province to seize any goods they could find any Body attempting to introduce into my Government; I beleive some small seizures was made in Connecticut upon it, but much more in the Province of New York. Another method the Importers take is to stop at some of the Out ports …
Documents relative to the colonial history of the state of New-York1853 · page 272Read the page →
Read the text

the King's Officers in my Province to seize any goods they could find any Body attempting to introduce into my Government; I beleive some small seizures was made in Connecticut upon it, but much more in the Province of New York. Another method the Importers take is to stop at some of the Out ports of Britain (in their outward bound passage from Holland) and make a report and enter only half of their cargo, by which the King is defrauded of his Duty on the other half; In short My Lords, if some effectual means are not used, the greatest part of the commerce of the American Colonies will be withdrawn from the Mother Country, and be carryed to Holland.

Text read by machine from the scan; it may contain errors.

Scans and text from the Internet Archive. Books published in 1930 or earlier, which are in the public domain.

By decade

Holland, decade by decade

One decade in the archive so far: the 1880s. Scroll each row; tap a photo for its story.

1880s3 items
A. C. Osborn.; Res. of A. C. Osborn, Holland, N.Y.; Planing Mill and Residence of Horace Selleck, Holland, N.Y. Manufac…1880A. C. Osborn.; Res. of A. C. Osborn, Holland, N.Y.; P…Glenwood (Village); Holland (Village)1880Glenwood (Village); Holland (Village)Holland (Township)1880Holland (Township)
1890s–1990snothing yet
Nothing in the archives for these yearsWeddings on Main Street, storms, parades, school pictures, the old store. If it’s in your family album, it belongs here.
Add from your album
Today27 recent
FLT CT6 7.8a mi - 12 steps of 2 2x6x24s, 2x10 sides, pipe anchored, 2x4 hand rails -23 double 4x4 steps2011FLT CT6 7.8a mi - 12 steps of 2 2x6x24s, 2x10 sides, …FLT CT6 7.8 mi - 5 double 4x4x30 steps2011FLT CT6 7.8 mi - 5 double 4x4x30 stepsFLT CT6 7.6a mi - 27 double 4x4x30 steps2011FLT CT6 7.6a mi - 27 double 4x4x30 stepsFLT CT6 7.6 mi - S side, 27 double 4x4x30 steps - 4 rock steps2011FLT CT6 7.6 mi - S side, 27 double 4x4x30 steps - 4 r…FLT CT6 7.6 mi - N side, 7 rock steps2011FLT CT6 7.6 mi - N side, 7 rock stepsFLT CT6 7.0 mi - Puncheon over stream, 2x4x40 deck, 40' long, 2 2x10 stringers2011FLT CT6 7.0 mi - Puncheon over stream, 2x4x40 deck, 4…FLT CT6 6.3 mi - 2x10s on 4.4 sills, 12' long2011FLT CT6 6.3 mi - 2x10s on 4.4 sills, 12' longFLT CT6 6.2 mi - Puncheon, 2 1x6s on 4x4 sills, 8' long - 2x8 board on 4x4 sill2011FLT CT6 6.2 mi - Puncheon, 2 1x6s on 4x4 sills, 8' lo…FLT CT6 6.1 mi - Puncheon, 2 1x6s on 4x4 sills, 8' long2011FLT CT6 6.1 mi - Puncheon, 2 1x6s on 4x4 sills, 8' lo…FLT CT6 6.0 mi - Puncheons, 2 1x6s on 1x6 sills, 33' long2011FLT CT6 6.0 mi - Puncheons, 2 1x6s on 1x6 sills, 33' …FLT CT6 4.5 mi - Bridge over ditch next to Warners Gulf Rd, 2x4x32 deck, 12' long, 2 2x10 stringers, shingle comvered, …2011FLT CT6 4.5 mi - Bridge over ditch next to Warners Gu…FLT CT6 14.5 mi - S side, 4 long side supported switchbacks - 4 steps2011FLT CT6 14.5 mi - S side, 4 long side supported switc…FLT CT6 14.5 mi - N side, 29 steps 4x4x24s, many side supported with 4x4s2011FLT CT6 14.5 mi - N side, 29 steps 4x4x24s, many side…FLT CT6 14.4 mi - 11 single 4x4 steps shown - 4 more2011FLT CT6 14.4 mi - 11 single 4x4 steps shown - 4 moreFLT CT6 14.3 mi - Bridge, 2x4x32 deck, 10' long, 2 2x8 stringers, rock sills, 3' to drainage - 3 single 4x4 steps2011FLT CT6 14.3 mi - Bridge, 2x4x32 deck, 10' long, 2 2x…FLT CT6 14.2 mi - Puncheon, 2 2x6x8', 2x6 sills, sandy surface2011FLT CT6 14.2 mi - Puncheon, 2 2x6x8', 2x6 sills, sand…FLT CT6 14.1 mi - Puncheon, 2x4x32 deck, 12' long, 2 2x10 stringers - 22 steps of double 4x4x24s, sandy surfaces2011FLT CT6 14.1 mi - Puncheon, 2x4x32 deck, 12' long, 2 …FLT CT6 13.2a mi - Art^ Olga Rosche sign2011FLT CT6 13.2a mi - Art^ Olga Rosche signFLT CT6 13.2 mi - Steel puncheon, 22 in wide and 13' long2011FLT CT6 13.2 mi - Steel puncheon, 22 in wide and 13' …FLT CT6 13.1 mi - Two signs, Mabel James section and hunting closure2011FLT CT6 13.1 mi - Two signs, Mabel James section and …FLT CT6 12.2 mi - Bridge, 2x4x32 deck, 12' long, 2 2x10 stringers, 3' to drainage2011FLT CT6 12.2 mi - Bridge, 2x4x32 deck, 12' long, 2 2x…FLT CT6 11.3a mi - 3 log steps2011FLT CT6 11.3a mi - 3 log stepsFLT CT6 11.3 mi - 5 log steps2011FLT CT6 11.3 mi - 5 log stepsFLT CT6 10.9 mi - 12 log steps2011FLT CT6 10.9 mi - 12 log stepsFLT CT6 10.7 mi - Bridge, 2x4x32 deck, 16' long, 2 2x10 stringers, 3' to drainage2011FLT CT6 10.7 mi - Bridge, 2x4x32 deck, 16' long, 2 2x…FLT CT6 10.4 mi - Puncheon, 3 4x12 planks 8.5' long2011FLT CT6 10.4 mi - Puncheon, 3 4x12 planks 8.5' longErie-Holland2006Erie-Holland
On the map

Holland on the map, 1925 to 1979

Every edition of the U.S. Geological Survey’s map of Holland. Tap a year, or press play to watch the town change.

Holland on the 1925 USGS mapHolland on the 1955 USGS mapHolland on the 1979 USGS map1925Springville sheet · 1:62,500

U.S. Geological Survey historical topographic maps (public domain), via Esri’s collection of the scans. The red ring marks the center of Holland.

Then & now

Stand where they stood

No then-and-now pairs yet. Take a photo from the same spot as an old one and they appear here side by side.

A. C. Osborn.; Res. of A. C. Osborn, Holland, N.Y.; Planing Mill and Residence of Horace Selleck, Holland, N.Y. Manufac…
Retake this viewA. C. Osborn.; Res. of A. C. Osborn, Holland, N.Y.; Planing Mill and Residence of Horace Selleck, Holland, N.Y. Manufac…, 1880

Find the spot, match the angle, and add your photo. It becomes the first then-and-now pair on Holland’s page.

Retake this view · +15
People over time

Holland, census by census

05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,0001850190019502000Peak: 3,603

Between 768 and 3,603 people in every census since 1820.

21 censuses, 1820–2020.

U.S. Census Bureau decennial counts, from the census table on Holland’s Wikipedia page.

Famous people

3 famous people were born in Holland

Writers, athletes, leaders and more, ranked by how widely they’re known.

See all →
James M. HumphreyAmerican politician · b. 1819
D
Dave HackPlayer of American and Canadian football · b. 1972
F
Frank E. WheelockAmerican mayor and businessman · b. 1863
Places that used to be

Lost post offices, old corners and burying grounds

Holland’s post office has been open since 1822. Another post office, Protection, opened and closed inside today’s town.

Holland
1822–today
Protection
1857–1943
18201920today
Hamlets and corners on the map
DutchtownProtection
4cemeteries and burying grounds inside Holland
HollandHumphreyProtectionSaint Joseph

US Post Offices dataset (Blevins & Helbock, CC0). Places and cemeteries from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (2021).

Stories next door

History across the town line

Each neighbor’s History grade, on the same three inputs.

Sardinia2 historic placesAWalesIts storyB−ColdenIts storyBJava2 historic placesA

Questions about Holland’s history

What year was Holland founded?

In 1807, according to Wikipedia’s history of the town. Holland’s post office opened in 1822, and the census of 1820 counted 768 people here.

How does Holland rank for history?

Holland is more historic than 63% of U.S. towns, #584 of 758 in New York. The History grade combines the town’s founding era, the share of homes built before 1940 and its National Register listings. It’s a character grade, so it isn’t part of the overall grade. How it works.

How old are the homes in Holland?

26% of Holland’s homes were built before 1940 (Census estimate, ±7.3 points), against a typical 27% for a New York town; the median home was built in 1969.

Memory lane

What the archives can’t tell you, neighbors can.

Town Square →
Start a conversation
Sources

Where this page comes from

Founding dates: Wikidata, Wikipedia, the U.S. post office records of Blevins & Helbock (CC0) and the Census. Homes by year built: Census ACS 2020–24. National Register of Historic Places: National Park Service (list of May 22, 2026). Old photos, postcards and papers: Wikimedia Commons, the Library of Congress and other public archives, credited on each item’s page. Maps: U.S. Geological Survey historical topographic maps (via Esri) and Sanborn fire-insurance maps (Library of Congress). History text and census tables: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Places that used to be: USGS Geographic Names Information System (2021).

From Wikimedia Commons (30), Wikipedia, Wikidata and Wikipedia for famous people, U.S. Geological Survey historical maps, U.S. Census counts (via Wikipedia), the US Post Offices dataset (Blevins & Helbock), the USGS Geographic Names Information System, Sanborn fire insurance maps (Library of Congress) and old county and town histories (Internet Archive). Archive images are copied here with their credits and licenses, shown on each photo’s page. Refreshed monthly.