Allegany, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Allegany
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 Allegany
Location in New York
Allegany
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Cattaraugus County |
| Incorporated | 1831 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 71.59 sq mi (185.43 km2) |
| • Land | 70.94 sq mi (183.72 km2) |
| • Water | 0.66 sq mi (1.70 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,421 ft (433 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 7,493 |
| • Density | 108.01/sq mi (41.70/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
14706
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| Area code(s) | 716 |
| FIPS code | 36-009-01297 |
| Website | Town of Allegany |
Allegany is a town located in Cattaraugus County, New York, United States. In 2020, about 7,493 people lived there.
The Town of Allegany is on the southern edge of Cattaraugus County, just west of the City of Olean. There is also a village called Allegany within this larger town.
The name "Allegany" has an interesting history. It might come from an old tribe called the Allegewi, who once lived along the Allegheny River. Another idea is that it comes from a Native American word that means "lovely" or "beautiful."
Contents
History of Allegany
Early Settlement and Naming
The area that is now Allegany was first settled around 1820. One of the first settlers was Ebenezer Reed, who came from Connecticut.
The Town of Allegany was officially created on April 18, 1831. It was originally called the "Town of Burton." This new town was formed from a part of the nearby town of Great Valley. Later, on March 28, 1851, its name was changed to "Allegany."
Changes Over Time
In 1836, a part of Allegany was used to create another town, the Town of Humphrey.
In 1837, there was a plan to build a new community called "Allegany City" south of the current Village of Allegany. However, this plan did not happen because a planned railroad changed its route, which affected the development of the area.
Geography of Allegany
Land and Water
Allegany covers a total area of about 71.7 square miles (185.6 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 71.2 square miles, is land. The rest, about 0.5 square miles, is water.
The Allegheny River flows through the town, adding to its natural beauty.
Roads and Borders
Major roads run through Allegany, making it easy to travel. The Southern Tier Expressway, which includes Interstate 86 and New York State Route 17, crosses the town. New York State Route 417 (also known as Old State Road) runs alongside the Expressway. New York State Route 16 also passes through the southeastern part of the town.
The southern border of Allegany is also the border of McKean County in Pennsylvania.
Neighboring Areas
Allegany shares its borders with several other towns and areas:
- To the south, it borders Foster and Otto Townships in McKean County, Pennsylvania.
- To the east, it borders the towns of Hinsdale and Olean.
- To the north, it borders the Town of Humphrey.
- To the west, it borders the towns of Great Valley and Carrollton.
Population Changes
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1840 | 530 | — | |
| 1850 | 1,037 | 95.7% | |
| 1860 | 2,129 | 105.3% | |
| 1870 | 2,485 | 16.7% | |
| 1880 | 4,044 | 62.7% | |
| 1890 | 3,611 | −10.7% | |
| 1900 | 3,692 | 2.2% | |
| 1910 | 3,398 | −8.0% | |
| 1920 | 3,240 | −4.6% | |
| 1930 | 3,731 | 15.2% | |
| 1940 | 3,919 | 5.0% | |
| 1950 | 5,452 | 39.1% | |
| 1960 | 6,483 | 18.9% | |
| 1970 | 7,542 | 16.3% | |
| 1980 | 8,619 | 14.3% | |
| 1990 | 8,327 | −3.4% | |
| 2000 | 8,230 | −1.2% | |
| 2010 | 8,004 | −2.7% | |
| 2020 | 7,493 | −6.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Communities and Places in Allegany
The Town of Allegany is home to several smaller communities and interesting spots:
- Allegany – This is the main village within the town. It's located in the eastern part of the town, along NY Route 417.
- Chipmunk – A small community in the southwestern part of the town. It's found where Chipmunk and Flatstone Roads meet.
- Crestview – This community is located right at the northern edge of Allegany village.
- Four Mile – A community near the eastern border of the town, along NY Route 16.
- Harrisburg – You can find this community in the southwestern corner of the town, near Harrisburg Run.
- Knapp Creek – Also in the southwest corner of the town, on NY Route 16. This place has the highest elevation of any populated area in New York, at 2,349 feet (716 meters).
- Nichols Run – A community on NY Route 45, close to the southern town line and near Harrisburg and Knapp Creek.
- Pumpkin Hollow – A location found near the northern border of the town.
- Rock City – This community in the southwest corner of the town is famous for its amazing rock formations.
- St. Bonaventure University – A well-known college located just south of Allegany village.
- Vandalia – A very small part of this community, which is mostly on the Allegany Indian Reservation, extends into the western part of the Town of Allegany.
- Wing Hollow – Located northwest of Allegany village. This area used to have a ski resort, and you can still see the old ski trails on the hillside.
Notable People from Allegany
Many interesting people have connections to Allegany:
- Leon Jacob Cole – A famous scientist who studied genetics and birds.
- Terry Pegula – A successful businessman in the natural gas industry and owner of professional sports teams. He lived in Allegany during the 1980s.
- Charlie Reynolds – A former pitcher in Major League Baseball.
- Willard M. Smith – A sergeant who served during the American Civil War.
- Shawn Dubin – A pitcher for the Houston Astros baseball team.
See also
In Spanish: Allegany (pueblo) para niños
