The Village of Chester was incorporated in 1892.
At the center of a dairy industry, the village claims to be the birthplace of “Philadelphia Cream Cheese.” Other brands produced in Chester were Clover Brand, Cow Brand, D’isigny, Fromage De Brie, Neufchatel, Star Brand and World Brand.
Chester is in Orange County. It was named after a location in England. The Village of Chester is primarily located in the northern part of the Town of Chester.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.1 square miles (5.5 km²) and is located on NY-94, north of NY-17. Goose Pond Mountain State Park is southeast of the village.