Fairport, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fairport
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Fairport at night
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Location in Monroe County and the state of New York.
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Location of New York in the United States
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| Country | United States | |
| State | New York | |
| County | Monroe | |
| Incorporated | 1867 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 1.62 sq mi (4.19 km2) | |
| • Land | 1.58 sq mi (4.09 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.10 km2) | |
| Elevation | 474 ft (144 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,501 | |
| • Density | 3,481.65/sq mi (1,344.36/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | |
| ZIP code |
14450
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| Area code(s) | 585 | |
| FIPS code | 36-25076 | |
| Website | http://www.village.fairport.ny.us/ | |
Fairport is a small village in New York, United States. It's located in Monroe County, about 9 miles (14 km) east of Rochester. Fairport is sometimes called the "crown jewel of the Erie Canal." In 2020, about 5,501 people lived in the village.
Contents
History of Fairport
Early Settlement and Canal Days
The area around Fairport, known as the town of Perinton, was first settled in the early 1800s. Before the 1820s, the land where Fairport now stands was a swampy area. This changed when the Erie Canal was built. The canal helped drain the swamp and opened up new ways for people and goods to travel.
Once the Erie Canal opened, the area quickly became a busy port. It was known as Perrinsville back then. People started calling it a "fair port" because it was a good place for boats to stop. In 1853, railroads were built, which helped the area grow even more as a center for industry and transportation.
Becoming a Village
This busy part of Perrinsville officially became a village on April 30, 1867. It then became the main hub of activity for the entire town of Perinton.
During the 1800s, several industries moved to Fairport. These included companies that made baking soda, preserved food, and created systems for grading fruit. One company, Fairport Vinegar Works, made Certo brand pectin, which is used to make jellies and jams.
The Canal's Evolution
In the early 1900s, the Erie Canal was made bigger and renamed the Barge Canal. Later, in 1992, it went back to its original name, the Erie Canal. Over time, fewer goods were shipped by canal as cars and trucks became more popular. Today, the Erie Canal is mostly used for fun activities like boating and walking.
How Fairport Got Its Name
The name "Fairport" came about in the mid-1800s. A traveler on the Erie Canal was heard saying that the village was a "fair port." The name stuck, even though local stories say the same traveler complained about bedbugs and left town quickly!
Several historic buildings in Fairport are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the First Baptist Church of Fairport and the Wilbur House.
Many people who live in the larger Town of Perinton also use "Fairport" as their address. This is because the Fairport Central School District and the Fairport postal area cover much of the town.
Geography of Fairport
Fairport is a small village. According to the United States Census Bureau, it covers about 1.6 square miles (4.1 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Even though "Fairport" is the official name of only the village, people often use it to talk about a larger part of the Town of Perinton. This is because the school district and zip codes for Fairport cover a bigger area than just the village itself.
Fairport's Population
Fairport has seen its population grow over the years.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 1,920 | — | |
| 1890 | 2,552 | 32.9% | |
| 1900 | 2,489 | −2.5% | |
| 1910 | 3,112 | 25.0% | |
| 1920 | 4,626 | 48.7% | |
| 1930 | 4,604 | −0.5% | |
| 1940 | 4,644 | 0.9% | |
| 1950 | 5,267 | 13.4% | |
| 1960 | 5,507 | 4.6% | |
| 1970 | 6,474 | 17.6% | |
| 1980 | 5,970 | −7.8% | |
| 1990 | 5,943 | −0.5% | |
| 2000 | 5,740 | −3.4% | |
| 2010 | 5,353 | −6.7% | |
| 2020 | 5,501 | 2.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 5,740 people living in the village. The average household had about 2.42 people. The median age for people in the village was 38 years old.
Arts and Culture in Fairport
Fairport offers many fun activities and places to visit.
- Shopping and Dining: The Fairport Village Landing and Packett's Landing are popular spots. They have shops, restaurants, and places for people to gather.
- Canal Cruises: You can take a boat tour on the Colonial Belle. It offers cruises along the Erie Canal from Packett's Wharf.
- Fairport Canal Days: This is an annual event. It features many artists and performers.
- Summer Entertainment: Every Tuesday during the summer, the village hosts live music and other entertainment.
- Fairport Music and Food Festival: This festival happens once a year. It's a great way to enjoy music and tasty food.
Parks and Recreation
Fairport has several parks and outdoor areas for recreation.
- Kennelley Park
- Perinton Park
- Packett's Landing Wharf
- Potter Park
- Indian Hill Trail
- Perinton Park: This park is located right next to the Erie Canal. There's a boathouse nearby where rowing events, like the "Lift Bridge Regatta," take place.
- Erie Canal Towpath: This path runs alongside the Erie Canal. It's a popular spot for walking and biking.
Education in Fairport
Public schools in Fairport are managed by the Fairport Central School District. Some of the schools in the area include Brooks Hill Elementary School, Johanna Perrin Middle School, and Minerva Deland.
Fairport's Infrastructure
Fairport has its own power company called Fairport Electric. It started in 1901 and provides electricity to its customers. Fairport Electric often has lower rates than other power companies nearby. Since 1961, it has bought power from the New York Power Authority.
Notable People from Fairport
Many interesting people have connections to Fairport.
- Cole Bardreau: An NHL hockey player for the New York Islanders.
- Rick Beato: A musician, producer, and popular YouTube personality.
- Brian Michael Bendis: A comic book writer who spent summers in Fairport.
- Don Davey: A former NFL football player for the Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Philip Seymour Hoffman: A famous actor who won an Academy Award for his role in the movie Capote.
- Noah Z. Jones: An animator and the creator of the show Fish Hooks.
- Julia Nunes: A talented singer-songwriter.
- Kim Pegula: A businesswoman and co-owner of the Buffalo Bills football team.
- Sian Proctor: A scientist, astronaut, and TV personality who graduated from Fairport High School in 1988.
- Louise Slaughter: A former U.S. Representative for the 25th Congressional District.
See also
In Spanish: Fairport para niños
