Established in 1853, the Town of Holland (pop. 3,612) is a rural and residential community in the center of the eastern edge of Erie County. Named after the wife of an early settler, it takes pride in its charming, small-town atmosphere and a continuing emphasis on agriculture.

Businesses and farms in Holland continued to flourish throughout World War 1 era to the Depression. As the use of the automobile increased and industrialization progressed, the nature of towns across the county changed. Individual towns no longer needed to be self-sufficient as people could easily travel longer distances for shopping and employment. Large businesses that could offer cheaper prices based on mass production were replacing small, privately owned businesses. Innovations in farm machinery and equipment could maximize the results from a limited area of land. With increased mass transportation, products could be easily obtained from other parts of the country or the world.

The number of farms in Holland gradually declined. Some businesses continued to succeed, but there became a more limited variety. Holland became a mainly residential community with most of its residents traveling to nearby towns or to Buffalo for employment. The 2000 census indicated a population of. 3,603.

Many of Holland’s residents are descendants from early settlers, who, along with the newer population, continue to treasure its clean air, rolling hills, lush vegetation, wildlife, fertile soil, trickling creeks and picturesque change of season.