In the 1800s, the peaceful beauty of the Catskills inspired writers and
painters. In turn, books and paintings inspired people to visit the area. The
first major hotel built in the Catskills was the Catskill Mountain House, in
1823. In the early part of the 20th century, the town of Woodstock was home to
numerous artists, writers, and musicians. Later, in the 1920s, the Catskills
became a popular Jewish retreat. Among the attractions were luxurious resorts
that showcased up-and-coming comedians and musicians.
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