Independence, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Independence, New York
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 Independence, New York
Location in New York
Independence, New York
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Allegany |
| Government | |
| • Type | Town Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 34.49 sq mi (89.3 km2) |
| • Land | 34.48 sq mi (89.3 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,165 ft (660 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,095  |
| • Estimate
(2021)
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1,088 |
| • Density | 33.84/sq mi (12.94/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| FIPS code | 36-003-37297 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0979091 |
Independence is a small town located in Allegany County, in the state of New York, United States. In 2020, about 1,095 people lived there. It's found in the southeast part of Allegany County, not far from the village of Wellsville.
Contents
History of Independence Town
People first started living permanently in the Independence area around 1819. This first settlement was in a place called Whitesville. The town of Independence was officially created in 1821. It was formed from a part of the nearby town of Alfred.
Over time, the size of Independence changed. Parts of it were used to create other towns. These new towns were Andover in 1824 and Willing in 1851. Historians don't know why the name "Independence" was chosen for the town.
Railroad Service and Its Impact
From 1896 to 1936, the community of Whitesville had a railroad service. This railway connected Whitesville to other towns like Canisteo and Ceres.
However, in July 1935, big floods damaged the railroad. Because of this damage, the railway stopped running in June 1936. Losing the railroad made it harder for businesses in the Whitesville area. This led to a decline in the local economy.
Geography of Independence
The town of Independence covers about 34.5 square miles (89.4 square kilometers) of land. There is almost no water area within the town.
The southern border of Independence is also the border with the state of Pennsylvania. The eastern border of the town touches Steuben County.
Roads and Waterways
New York State Route 248 is an important road that runs east to west through the town. It crosses with New York State Route 248A (Cryder Creek Road) west of Whitesville.
Two main streams flow through Independence. Cryder Creek flows out of the southwest part of the town. Chenunda Creek flows across the northern part. Both of these creeks eventually join the Genesee River.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1830 | 877 | — | |
| 1840 | 1,440 | 64.2% | |
| 1850 | 1,701 | 18.1% | |
| 1860 | 1,199 | −29.5% | |
| 1870 | 1,175 | −2.0% | |
| 1880 | 1,186 | 0.9% | |
| 1890 | 1,249 | 5.3% | |
| 1900 | 1,280 | 2.5% | |
| 1910 | 1,202 | −6.1% | |
| 1920 | 1,028 | −14.5% | |
| 1930 | 1,056 | 2.7% | |
| 1940 | 1,110 | 5.1% | |
| 1950 | 1,053 | −5.1% | |
| 1960 | 1,004 | −4.7% | |
| 1970 | 1,031 | 2.7% | |
| 1980 | 1,138 | 10.4% | |
| 1990 | 1,026 | −9.8% | |
| 2000 | 1,074 | 4.7% | |
| 2010 | 1,167 | 8.7% | |
| 2020 | 1,095 | −6.2% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 1,088 | −6.8% | |
| US Decennial Census | |||
The population of Independence has changed over the years. The table above shows how many people lived in the town during different census years. In 2020, the population was 1,095 people.
Communities and Locations
The Town of Independence has a few smaller communities within its borders:
- Independence – This is a small hamlet located where County Road 22 and County Road 22A meet. It's near the northern edge of the town.
- Whitesville – This hamlet is found where NY 248 and NY 248A cross. It's near the eastern town line. The community is named after Samuel S. White, who was the first person to live there permanently and helped start the hamlet.
- Spring Mills – This hamlet is in the southeast corner of the town. It is located near Spring Mills Creek.
Notable Person from Independence
- Mary Bassett Clarke (1831–1908) – She was a writer who came from this area.
See also
In Spanish: Independence (Nueva York) para niños
