In 1943, looking west across Mosquito Creek from Cortland's Main Street, an iron-framed bridge stood before thick woods that blocked the view of where the road now known as Everett Hull Road connected with Klondike Corners. Life and the view were about to change for many people with homes and farms in the middle of Mecca, Greene, and Bazetta townships. When excavation was finished and the lake filled, Cortland became a lakeshore community. Although the city had begun 140 years before the lake was created, its population increased steadily after the lake was built. In 1944, Cortland's population was a little over 800, and in 2019 it was 7,200; Bazetta's population was a little over 6,000. The old bridge stood in the middle of the lake until winter ice pushed against the abutments and it fell into the water; eventually most of the metal was removed, but some remained. A 1946 view shows Main Street two years after Mosquito Creek Lake became a reality, with Richards Mill at the end of the street, McCurley's hospital on the left, now the Cortland Lions building, and the lake barely visible at the street's end. The city's proximity to the lake and its short drive from Warren have helped make it attractive to families. Mosquito Lake State Park surrounds most of the lake in Bazetta Township and Mecca Township, attracting many visitors, and many residents have boats for fishing or recreation on the water. Today, the end of West Main Street is a boat dock area and a favorite place to watch sunsets. Cortland's Veterans Memorial on South High Street, created in 2018, honors those who have served or continue to serve in the military, and pavers with the names of military personnel preserve a lasting piece of local history.