Chemung, New York facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chemung, New York
Town
Chemung, New York Location in New York
Country	United States
State	New York
County	Chemung
Government
• Type	Town Council
Area
• Total	50.04 sq mi (129.60 km2)
• Land	49.48 sq mi (128.15 km2)
• Water	0.56 sq mi (1.45 km2)
Elevation	955 ft (291 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	2,368
• Estimate  (2021)	2,332
• Density	50.40/sq mi (19.46/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	14825
Area code(s)	607
FIPS code	36-015-15077
GNIS feature ID	0978818

Chemung is a small town located in Chemung County, New York, in the United States. In 2020, about 2,368 people lived there. The town gets its name from the Chemung River. The word "Chemung" means "big horn" in the Seneca language.

The town is in the southeastern part of Chemung County. It is also southeast of the city of Elmira. Chemung is part of the larger Elmira area.

History of Chemung

The area where Chemung is located has a long history.

Early Events and Settlement

On August 13, 1779, a major event called the Sullivan Expedition took place nearby. This expedition fought a battle known as the Battle of Newtown. This battle happened just west of where the town of Chemung is today.

The first clear records show that people started settling in this area around 1786.

How Chemung Town Was Formed

The town of Chemung was officially created in 1788. It was one of the very first towns in this region. Over time, Chemung's size changed as new counties and towns were formed.

• In 1791, Chemung lost some land when Tioga County was created.
• In 1792, the town of Newtown, which is now called the town of Elmira, was formed from parts of Chemung.
• Chemung was first part of Montgomery County when it was established in 1788.
• Chemung County itself was not created until 1836.
• Later, Chemung lost more land to help form other towns. These included Erin (in 1822), Baldwin (in 1856), and Ashland (in 1867).

Historic Places in Chemung

Several important places in Chemung are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized for their historical importance. These places include:

• The Chemung District School No. 10
• The Dr. Hovey Everett House
• The Riverside Cemetery

Geography of Chemung

Chemung covers a total area of about 50.04 square miles (129.6 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, about 49.48 square miles (128.2 square kilometers). A small part, about 0.56 square miles (1.5 square kilometers), is water.

Rivers and Borders

The Chemung River flows through the southern part of the town. This river is a branch of the larger Susquehanna River.

• The southern border of Chemung touches the state of Pennsylvania, specifically Bradford County.
• The eastern border of the town is shared with Tioga County.

Major Roads

Important highways run through Chemung, making it easy to travel.

• The Southern Tier Expressway is a major road that includes Interstate 86 and New York State Route 17.
• New York State Route 427 is another important east-west highway in the town.

Population Information

The former Erie Railroad station in Chemung in 2012

In 2000, there were 2,665 people living in Chemung. These people lived in 969 households, and 749 of these were families. The population density was about 53.9 people per square mile.

Demographics and Age

• About 36.9% of households had children under 18 living with them.
• Most households (64.2%) were married couples living together.
• The average household had 2.71 people.
• The average family had 3.03 people.

The population of Chemung was spread out by age:

• 28.0% were under 18 years old.
• 6.8% were between 18 and 24.
• 29.3% were between 25 and 44.
• 23.5% were between 45 and 64.
• 12.4% were 65 years or older.

The average age in the town was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were about 101.9 males.

Income Information

In 2000, the average income for a household in Chemung was $35,167. For families, the average income was $37,885. The average income per person in the town was $15,201.

About 8.5% of families and 11.7% of the total population lived below the poverty line. This included 15.9% of those under 18 and 1.1% of those aged 65 or older.

Communities and Locations in Chemung

The Town of Chemung includes several smaller communities and places:

• Beantown – A small community, also known as a hamlet, located in the northwestern part of the town. You can find it on County Road 3.
• Chemung – This is the main hamlet of Chemung. It is located close to the southern border of the town. The Southern Tier Expressway and the Chemung River are right next to this community.
• Mallory Creek – This is a stream that flows past Owens Mills and then into Wynkoop Creek.
• Owens Mills – Another hamlet located near the center of the town, on County Road 23.
• Wynkoop Creek – A stream found on the western side of town. It flows past Bean Town and eventually joins the Chemung River near the village of Chemung.

Notable People from Chemung

Several well-known individuals have connections to Chemung:

• Geoffrey Bodine, Brett Bodine, and Todd Bodine – These three brothers are famous NASCAR drivers. Geoffrey Bodine won the Daytona 500 race in 1986, and Todd Bodine was a NASCAR Craftsman Truck champion.
• Wells Spicer – He was a judge known for his role in a famous historical event. He oversaw the first hearing to decide if Virgil, Wyatt, and Morgan Earp, along with Doc Holliday, would face trial after the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He also worked as a defense lawyer in another important historical trial.
• Joseph C. Patituce – He is a leading defense attorney. He has been involved in several high-profile legal cases that have gained national and international attention. His work has been featured by major news networks.