Elmira (town), New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elmira
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Elmira town hall
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| Motto(s):
"A Great Place to Live"
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 Elmira (town), New York
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Chemung |
| Government | |
| • Type | Town Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 22.54 sq mi (58.37 km2) |
| • Land | 22.21 sq mi (57.52 km2) |
| • Water | 0.33 sq mi (0.85 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,178 ft (359 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 6,872  |
| • Estimate
(2021)
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6,740 |
| • Density | 301.27/sq mi (116.32/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
14900-14999
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| Area code(s) | 607 |
| FIPS code | 36-24240 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0978939 |
Elmira is a town in Chemung County, New York, United States. It's special because it surrounds the city of Elmira on three sides. In 2020, about 6,872 people lived here. The town is located in the south-central part of Chemung County. It is also part of the larger Elmira area.
Contents
History of Elmira
The area where Elmira is now has a long history. In 1779, a group called the Sullivan Expedition traveled through this land. They fought a battle against the British at the Battle of Newtown. This battle happened in the southern part of what is now the town.
How Elmira Got Its Name
The town of Elmira was first created in 1792. Back then, it was called Newtown. It was formed from a larger town named Chemung. Later, in 1808, the town changed its name to Elmira.
Towns Formed from Elmira
Over the years, parts of Elmira became new towns.
- In 1798, the town of Catharine was formed. It is now in Schuyler County.
- In 1822, Big Flats was created.
- Also in 1822, Southport was formed.
- In 1823, Catlin became its own town.
The City of Elmira
The main part of Elmira became its own village in 1828. This village grew bigger over time. In 1864, it officially became the City of Elmira.
Geography of Elmira
Elmira is a town with a total area of about 22.5 square miles (58.4 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. Only a small part, about 0.33 square miles (0.9 square kilometers), is water.
Rivers and Waterways
The Chemung River flows along part of the town's southern border. This river is a branch, or tributary, of the Susquehanna River. Another waterway, Newtown Creek, helps divide the town from the city of Elmira.
Major Roads
Important roads pass through the town. The Southern Tier Expressway goes through Elmira. This expressway is also known as Interstate 86 and NY Route 17. It runs from the northwest to the southeast. New York State Route 352 also goes through the southern part of the town.
Population of Elmira
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 2,975 | — | |
| 1830 | 2,962 | −0.4% | |
| 1840 | 4,791 | 61.7% | |
| 1850 | 8,166 | 70.4% | |
| 1860 | 8,682 | 6.3% | |
| 1870 | 1,190 | −86.3% | |
| 1880 | 1,986 | 66.9% | |
| 1890 | 890 | −55.2% | |
| 1900 | 1,260 | 41.6% | |
| 1910 | 1,605 | 27.4% | |
| 1920 | 2,651 | 65.2% | |
| 1930 | 5,084 | 91.8% | |
| 1940 | 5,290 | 4.1% | |
| 1950 | 6,346 | 20.0% | |
| 1960 | 8,413 | 32.6% | |
| 1970 | 8,408 | −0.1% | |
| 1980 | 7,635 | −9.2% | |
| 1990 | 7,440 | −2.6% | |
| 2000 | 7,199 | −3.2% | |
| 2010 | 6,934 | −3.7% | |
| 2020 | 6,872 | −0.9% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 6,740 | −2.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, about 7,199 people lived in the town of Elmira. The population density was about 323 people per square mile. Most of the people living in Elmira were White. There were also smaller groups of African American, Native American, and Asian residents.
Communities and Locations in Elmira
Here are some of the places you can find within the town of Elmira:
- East Elmira – This is a small community, or hamlet, in the southeast part of the town.
- Elmira – This is the main city that used to be part of the western side of the town.
- Elmira Heights – The southern part of this village is located here.
- Newtown Battlefield State Park – This is a historical park in the southeastern part of the town. It marks the site of the Battle of Newtown.
- West Elmira – This hamlet is southwest of the city of Elmira, right by the Chemung River.
Notable People from Elmira
- Elmira is the birthplace of the famous film director Hal Roach (1892-1992). He was known for his work in early Hollywood.
See also
In Spanish: Elmira (pueblo) para niños
