Angola, New York Facts for Kids

Angola is a small village in Erie County, New York, United States. It's part of the larger town of Evans. The village is about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Lake Erie. It is also about 22 miles (35 km) southwest of downtown Buffalo. In 2020, Angola had a population of 2,046 people. There's also a nearby community called Angola on the Lake, which is closer to Lake Erie.

History of Angola Village
- The Angola Train Accident of 1867
Where is Angola Located?
Angola's Population
Economy of Angola
Famous People from Angola
See also

History of Angola Village

The area where Angola is now was once known as "Evans Station." This name came from a train station built there. Around 1854 or 1855, a post office opened in the community. It was given the name "Angola." The first postmaster was John H. Andrus. The name "Angola" was chosen because local residents, many of whom were Quakers, supported missionary work in the country of Angola in Africa. The village's economy grew a lot after a railroad line arrived in 1852.

The Village of Angola officially became a village in 1873. In 2007, the village decided to close its own police department. Instead, the Town of Evans now provides police services for Angola. Officers from Angola's old police force were hired by Evans. The US Post Office—Angola building is an important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

A group called "Friends of the Village of Angola" is a volunteer organization. They work to make the village a more lively place. They help organize events like "Christmas in the Village." This event is supported by donations and a summer car show called the "Drifters Car Cruise."

The Angola Train Accident of 1867

On December 18, 1867, a serious train accident happened near Angola. It was just after 3 PM when a train called the New York Express derailed. The last car fell off a bridge and into Big Sister Creek. The car in front of it also left the tracks. Stoves inside the train cars caused both coaches to catch fire. This terrible event led to the deaths of 49 people. Another 40 people were injured.

Where is Angola Located?

Angola is in the southwestern part of Erie County. It is very close to the center of the town of Evans. The village covers about 1.4 square miles (3.6 square kilometers) of land.

Angola is about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the shore of Lake Erie. It is also west of the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90). Major train lines, like those used by CSXT and the Norfolk Southern Railway, pass through Angola. From 1907 to 1932, Angola was also on an electric railway line. This line connected Buffalo to Erie, Pennsylvania. It was called the Buffalo & Lake Erie Traction Company.

Angola's Population

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1860	225	—
1870	600	166.7%
1880	508	−15.3%
1890	650	28.0%
1900	712	9.5%
1910	898	26.1%
1920	1,367	52.2%
1930	1,543	12.9%
1940	1,663	7.8%
1950	1,936	16.4%
1960	2,499	29.1%
1970	2,676	7.1%
1980	2,292	−14.3%
1990	2,231	−2.7%
2000	2,266	1.6%
2010	2,127	−6.1%
2020	2,046	−3.8%
U.S. Decennial Census

According to the census from 2000, there were 2,266 people living in Angola. There were 844 households, and 618 of these were families. About 39.5% of households had children under 18 living there. The average household had 2.68 people.

The population was spread out by age. About 29.5% of people were under 18 years old. About 13.5% were 65 years or older. The average age in the village was 36 years.

Economy of Angola

Goya Foods, a well-known food company, has its Great Lakes division located in Angola.

Famous People from Angola

Willis Carrier: An engineer who invented air conditioning.
Patrick Kaleta: A professional ice hockey player in the NHL.
Christian Laettner: A famous basketball player who won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1992. He also played in the NBA.
Monroe Salisbury: A silent film actor.
Pius Louis Schwert: A former Major League Baseball player and a U.S. congressman.
Patchy Mix: A professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter.

Angola, New York facts for kids

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