Cambridge, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cambridge
|
|
|---|---|
Hubbard Hall in Cambridge’s downtown historic district
|
|
Location in Washington County and the state of New York.
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Washington |
| Area | |
| • Total | 36.51 sq mi (94.56 km2) |
| • Land | 36.38 sq mi (94.23 km2) |
| • Water | 0.13 sq mi (0.33 km2) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 1,952 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 518 |
| FIPS code | 36-115-11836 |
Cambridge is a small town located in Washington County, New York, in the United States. It is part of the larger Glens Falls area. In 2020, about 1,952 people lived here.
It's important to know that there is also a village called Cambridge that is partly inside this town. So, "Cambridge" can mean two different places!
Contents
History of Cambridge
The town of Cambridge has a long history. It used to be part of Albany County. But in 1791, after the American Revolutionary War, it became part of Washington County.
The village of Cambridge, which is inside the town, was officially created in 1866. A famous hotel, the Cambridge Hotel, was located there. People say that the yummy dessert called pie a la Mode was first made by someone working at this hotel!
Geography of Cambridge
The town of Cambridge covers about 36.5 square miles (94.5 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
The southern edge of the town is also the border for Rensselaer County. NY Route 372 runs along the northeastern border of the town.
Natural Features in Cambridge
- Vly Creek – This is a small stream found near the western edge of the town.
- Vly Swamp – A swampy area located north of a spot called Fly Summit.
- Hoosic River – This river forms the southern border of the town.
- The Cobble – A small hill or raised area near North Cambridge.
- Wampecack Creek – A stream that flows into the Hoosic River. It passes by West Cambridge and South Cambridge.
Communities in Cambridge
The town of Cambridge includes several smaller communities:
- Cambridge – This is the main village, located near the eastern border of the town.
- Center Cambridge – A small community west of Cambridge Village. The town's offices are here.
- Coila – A community found on NY-372, northwest of Cambridge village.
- Vly Summit – A place at the western edge of the town.
- Buskirk Bridge – A covered bridge that crosses the Hoosic River.
- Lee – A location south of South Cambridge.
- North Cambridge – A community west of Cambridge village.
- Oak Hill – A community in the southeastern part of the town.
- South Cambridge – A community in the southern part of the town.
- West Cambridge – A community near the eastern town line.
Population of Cambridge
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 2,491 | — | |
| 1830 | 2,319 | −6.9% | |
| 1840 | 2,005 | −13.5% | |
| 1850 | 2,593 | 29.3% | |
| 1860 | 2,419 | −6.7% | |
| 1870 | 2,589 | 7.0% | |
| 1880 | 2,324 | −10.2% | |
| 1890 | 2,162 | −7.0% | |
| 1900 | 1,878 | −13.1% | |
| 1910 | 1,694 | −9.8% | |
| 1920 | 1,620 | −4.4% | |
| 1930 | 1,677 | 3.5% | |
| 1940 | 1,434 | −14.5% | |
| 1950 | 1,567 | 9.3% | |
| 1960 | 1,610 | 2.7% | |
| 1970 | 1,702 | 5.7% | |
| 1980 | 1,848 | 8.6% | |
| 1990 | 1,938 | 4.9% | |
| 2000 | 2,152 | 11.0% | |
| 2010 | 2,021 | −6.1% | |
| 2020 | 1,952 | −3.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Cambridge has changed over the years. In 2000, there were 2,152 people living in the town. By 2020, the population was 1,952.
About 35.7% of households in 2000 had children under 18 living there. The average household had about 2.6 people. The median age of people in the town was 40 years old.
Education in Cambridge
Students in Cambridge attend the Cambridge Central School. This school was rebuilt in 1950 after a big fire. A famous painting by Norman Rockwell, called "Triumph in Defeat," shows this school. It was on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post magazine in 1953.
The Cambridge Central School District serves about 900 students from kindergarten to 12th grade. There are about 12 students for every teacher. This means teachers can give more attention to each student. About half of the students are good at math and reading, based on state tests. The school also offers advanced classes called AP courses.
The school's varsity football team has been very successful. They won the Class D State Champion title in 2016 and 2017. They also won this title in 1992 and 1999.
Students at the school also help with an interesting project. Since 2013, they have been digging up and studying the old settlement of Daniel Shays. This is like being real archaeologists!
Notable People from Cambridge
Many interesting people have connections to Cambridge:
- W. J. Abrams – He was a politician who served in the Wisconsin State Senate. He was also the Mayor of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
- William Buffington Jr. – He was a member of the New York State Assembly.
- George Forss – A well-known photographer.
- Laura James – A model who won "America's Next Top Model" in season 19.
- James Lauderdale – Another politician who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
- Frederick W. Mausert III – He received the Medal of Honor, a very brave award.
