Caton, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caton, New York
|
|
|---|---|
Caton Town Hall
|
|
 Caton, New York
Location in New York
|
|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  New York |
| County | Steuben |
| Named for | Richard Caton |
| Area | |
| • Total | 38.00 sq mi (98.42 km2) |
| • Land | 37.56 sq mi (97.29 km2) |
| • Water | 0.43 sq mi (1.12 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,411 ft (430 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 2,046  |
| • Estimate
(2021)
|
2,028 |
| • Density | 57.13/sq mi (22.06/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Codes |
14830, 14858, 14871
|
| Area code(s) | 607 |
| FIPS code | 36-12991 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0978802 |
| Website | www.townofcaton.com/ |
Caton is a small town located in Steuben County, New York, United States. In 2020, about 2,046 people lived here. The town got its name from Richard Caton.
The Town of Caton is in the southeastern part of Steuben County. It is located south of the city of Corning.
Contents
History of Caton
Caton was first created in 1839. It was originally called the "Town of Wormley." It was formed from a larger area known as the Town of Corning (which was then called the Town of Painted Post).
In 1840, the town's name was officially changed to "Caton." This happened after a special law was passed. During the American Civil War, Caton sent more soldiers to fight than any other town in Steuben County.
There is a story that the first electric chair was made in West Caton. This was supposedly done by George Davis in a chair factory. However, there are no other sources that can confirm this story.
Where is Caton?
Caton covers a total area of about 38 square miles (98.42 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 37.56 square miles (97.29 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 0.43 square miles (1.12 square kilometers), is water.
The very first permanent settler arrived in Caton around 1819.
The southern edge of the town is the border with Pennsylvania. Specifically, it borders Tioga County in Pennsylvania. The eastern edge of Caton borders Chemung County. This part of Chemung County is the Town of Southport.
New York State Route 225 is a main road that goes through the northeastern part of Caton.
People in Caton
The population of Caton has changed over the years. Here's how many people have lived in Caton according to the U.S. Census:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1840 | 797 | — | |
| 1850 | 1,214 | 52.3% | |
| 1860 | 1,550 | 27.7% | |
| 1870 | 1,544 | −0.4% | |
| 1880 | 1,642 | 6.3% | |
| 1890 | 1,445 | −12.0% | |
| 1900 | 1,345 | −6.9% | |
| 1910 | 1,078 | −19.9% | |
| 1920 | 688 | −36.2% | |
| 1930 | 915 | 33.0% | |
| 1940 | 976 | 6.7% | |
| 1950 | 1,199 | 22.8% | |
| 1960 | 1,359 | 13.3% | |
| 1970 | 1,747 | 28.6% | |
| 1980 | 1,847 | 5.7% | |
| 1990 | 1,888 | 2.2% | |
| 2000 | 2,097 | 11.1% | |
| 2010 | 2,179 | 3.9% | |
| 2020 | 2,046 | −6.1% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 2,028 | −6.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 2,097 people living in Caton. There were 770 households, and 595 of these were families. The population density was about 55.5 people per square mile (21.4 people per square kilometer).
About 35.1% of households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had about 2.72 people. The average family had about 3.03 people.
The population was spread out by age. About 27.3% of the people were under 18 years old. About 9.1% were 65 years or older. The average age in the town was 37 years.
Communities and Locations in Caton
Caton has a few smaller communities and places within its borders:
- Brownstown – This is a small village, also known as a hamlet, located in the southwestern part of the town.
- Caton – This is the main hamlet of Caton. You can find it on NY-225 where it meets County Roads 32 and 120.
- Caton Creek – This is a stream that flows north, passing by the hamlet of Caton.
- West Caton – This is another hamlet, located in the northwestern part of the town.
Famous People from Caton
Caton has been the birthplace of a few notable people:
- Deacon White – Born in Caton, he became a famous Major League Baseball player and manager. He is even in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also the very first batter in the National Association, an early baseball league.
- Elmer White – Also born in Caton, he was a Major League Baseball catcher. Sadly, Elmer was the first professional baseball player on record to pass away.
- Will White – A Major League Baseball pitcher, Will was Deacon White's brother and was also born in Caton.
- Lucien Grant Berry – Born in Caton in 1863, he became a Brigadier General. This means he was a high-ranking officer in the military. He served in three different wars.
