Big Flats, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Flats, New York
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 Big Flats, New York
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Chemung |
| Government | |
| • Type | Town Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 45.07 sq mi (116.72 km2) |
| • Land | 44.48 sq mi (115.22 km2) |
| • Water | 0.58 sq mi (1.51 km2) |
| Elevation | 910 ft (280 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 7,822  |
| • Estimate
(2021)
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7,679 |
| • Density | 174.62/sq mi (67.42/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
14814
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| FIPS code | 36-015-06475 |
Big Flats is a town in Chemung County, New York. It's located in the western part of the county, just west of Elmira. In 2020, about 7,822 people lived there. Big Flats is part of the larger Elmira area. There's also a smaller community, or hamlet, inside the town that shares the name Big Flats.
Contents
History of Big Flats
The town of Big Flats has an interesting past. It was officially created in 1822. Before that, it was known by another name: "Great Plains." It used to be part of the nearby town of Elmira.
A special place called the Warren E. Eaton Motorless Flight Facility is in Big Flats. This site is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography and Nature
Big Flats covers a total area of about 45 square miles (116.7 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 44.5 square miles (115.2 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 0.6 square miles (1.5 square kilometers), is water.
Rivers and Streams
The Chemung River flows through the southern part of the town. This river is a branch of the larger Susquehanna River. Another stream, Sing Sing Creek, runs through the middle of Big Flats and flows into the Chemung River.
Land and Fossils
The land in Big Flats is mostly flat and wide. It's a river valley, which means it's great for farming. In the past, people grew a lot of tobacco here. If you look closely, you might even find fossil seashells in the area! This shows that the land was once covered by an ancient sea. The rocks in the region are mostly shale, which is a type of rock formed from mud.
Town Borders
The western edge of Big Flats borders Steuben County.
Getting Around Big Flats
The main highway that goes through Big Flats is the Southern Tier Expressway. This road is also known as Interstate 86 and New York State Route 17. You can get on and off this highway at exits 49, 50, and 51 within the town.
Local Airport
The Elmira Corning Regional Airport is also located right here in Big Flats. This airport offers flights to different places.
People Who Live Here
The number of people living in Big Flats has changed over the years. Here's how the population has grown:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1830 | 1,149 | — | |
| 1840 | 1,375 | 19.7% | |
| 1850 | 1,709 | 24.3% | |
| 1860 | 1,853 | 8.4% | |
| 1870 | 1,902 | 2.6% | |
| 1880 | 1,989 | 4.6% | |
| 1890 | 1,687 | −15.2% | |
| 1900 | 1,705 | 1.1% | |
| 1910 | 1,535 | −10.0% | |
| 1920 | 1,454 | −5.3% | |
| 1930 | 1,679 | 15.5% | |
| 1940 | 1,832 | 9.1% | |
| 1950 | 2,460 | 34.3% | |
| 1960 | 3,665 | 49.0% | |
| 1970 | 6,837 | 86.5% | |
| 1980 | 7,649 | 11.9% | |
| 1990 | 7,596 | −0.7% | |
| 2000 | 7,224 | −4.9% | |
| 2010 | 7,731 | 7.0% | |
| 2020 | 7,822 | 1.2% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 7,679 | −0.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 7,224 people living in Big Flats. About 34% of the homes had children under 18. Most homes were families, with many being married couples. The average age of people in Big Flats was 41 years old.
Schools in Big Flats
Most of Big Flats is part of the Horseheads Central School District. However, some parts of the town are also covered by other school districts. These include the Corning City School District, Elmira Heights Central School District, and Elmira City School District.
Communities and Places to See
Big Flats has several smaller communities and interesting spots:
- Arnot Mall – This is a large shopping mall located in the eastern part of the town. It's just west of Horseheads.
- Big Flats – This is the main hamlet (a small community) within the town. It's where the Southern Tier Expressway (I-86 and NY-17) meets NY-352. The name "Big Flats" also refers to a larger area that includes this hamlet and Fisherville.
- Elmira-Corning Regional Airport – As mentioned, this airport is in the town. It offers scheduled flights.
- Fisherville – This is another hamlet located south of the airport. It's east of the Big Flats hamlet on Chemung County Route 64.
- Golden Glow Heights – You can find this hamlet near the southern border of the town. It's on the south bank of the Chemung River.
- Harris Hill – This is a noticeable hill located south of the airport.
- Harris Hill Gliderport – A small airport on Harris Hill. It's used for glider flights, which are planes without engines!
- Harris Hill Manor – This hamlet is on the north bank of the Chemung River, along NY-352.
Weather in Big Flats
Big Flats experiences all four seasons clearly. Summers are usually warm to hot, and can be humid. Winters are cold, sometimes very cold. This type of weather is called a humid continental climate.
Fun Things to Do
One of the main cultural attractions in Big Flats is the National Soaring Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history and science of gliders and motorless flight. It's a great place to learn about flying without an engine!
See also
In Spanish: Big Flats (pueblo) para niños
