Jerusalem, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerusalem, New York
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Location in Yates County and the state of New York.
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Yates |
| Area | |
| • Total | 65.40 sq mi (169.39 km2) |
| • Land | 58.64 sq mi (151.88 km2) |
| • Water | 6.76 sq mi (17.51 km2) |
| Elevation | 735 ft (224 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,405 |
| • Density | 75.70/sq mi (29.23/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| FIPS code | 36-38583 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0979107 |
Jerusalem is a town located in Yates County, New York. In 2020, about 4,405 people lived there. The town is named after the famous city of Jerusalem.
The Town of Jerusalem is found on the southern edge of Yates County. It is southwest of Geneva, New York.
Contents
History
Early Settlers
The area that is now Jerusalem was part of a large land deal called the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. People started settling here around 1791. One of the first groups to arrive was led by a unique Quaker evangelist known as the Public Universal Friend (1758–1819). Her followers were called the "Society of Universal Friends."
How the Town Grew
Jerusalem was one of the first towns created in the county. It was officially formed in 1789 when it was still part of Ontario County. Later, in 1823, it became part of Yates County when that county was created. A section of land around Bluff Point was added to the town in 1814.
Over time, parts of Jerusalem were used to create other towns in the county. For example, in 1803, the Town of Benton was formed from Jerusalem. Benton was then divided into other towns later on.
There is a belief that Branchport, a place within Jerusalem, might be the birthplace of a famous Seneca leader named Red Jacket. However, this exact location is not fully confirmed.
Historic Places
Jerusalem is home to many important historic buildings and sites. Several of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized for their special historical value. Some examples include old houses like the Peter Bitley House and the Jemima Wilkinson House (also known as Friend's Home), and St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
Geography
Land and Water
The town of Jerusalem covers a total area of about 65.4 square miles (169.39 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 58.9 square miles (151.88 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 6.5 square miles (17.51 square kilometers), is water.
The southern border of the town touches Steuben County. Jerusalem is also special because it includes parts of both branches of Keuka Lake. This lake has a unique Y-shape.
Important Roads
New York State Route 54A is a main road that goes through the town of Jerusalem, connecting different areas.
Who Lives Here?
Population Changes Over Time
The number of people living in Jerusalem has changed over the years. Here's a look at the population from past censuses:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 1,610 | — | |
| 1830 | 2,783 | 72.9% | |
| 1840 | 2,935 | 5.5% | |
| 1850 | 2,912 | −0.8% | |
| 1860 | 2,873 | −1.3% | |
| 1870 | 2,612 | −9.1% | |
| 1880 | 2,626 | 0.5% | |
| 1890 | 2,957 | 12.6% | |
| 1900 | 2,775 | −6.2% | |
| 1910 | 2,444 | −11.9% | |
| 1920 | 2,025 | −17.1% | |
| 1930 | 2,072 | 2.3% | |
| 1940 | 2,043 | −1.4% | |
| 1950 | 2,732 | 33.7% | |
| 1960 | 2,847 | 4.2% | |
| 1970 | 3,581 | 25.8% | |
| 1980 | 3,908 | 9.1% | |
| 1990 | 3,784 | −3.2% | |
| 2000 | 4,525 | 19.6% | |
| 2010 | 4,469 | −1.2% | |
| 2020 | 4,405 | −1.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
A Look at the Community
According to the census from 2000, there were 4,525 people living in Jerusalem. These people lived in 1,606 households, and 1,117 of these were families. The population density was about 76.8 people per square mile.
About 25.7% of the households had children under 18 living with them. Most households, 59.4%, were married couples living together. About 24.3% of all households were made up of people living alone.
The population was spread out by age. About 19.9% of the people were under 18 years old. The median age, which is the middle age of all the people, was 39 years.
Places in Jerusalem Town
Here are some of the communities and important locations you can find within the Town of Jerusalem:
- Bluff Point – This is a small community located west of Keuka Park, along NY-54A. "Bluff Point" also refers to the tip of the land that stretches between the two northern parts of Keuka Lake.
- Branchport (originally called "Esperanza") – This is another small community found at the northwest end of Keuka Lake, also on NY-54A. Branchport used to be an official village but later changed its status.
- Darby Corners – You can find this spot in the southern part of the town, west of Branchport, on County Road 32.
- Friend – A small community in the northwest part of the town, located on County Road 31.
- Guyanoga – This community is north of Branchport.
- Guyanoga Valley – A valley located in the north-central part of Jerusalem, just north of Branchport.
- Keuka College – This is a four-year college located in Keuka Park.
- Keuka Lake State Park – A state park situated in the southeast part of the town, southeast of Branchport. It's a great place for outdoor activities.
- Keuka Park – A community on the western shore of the eastern branch of Keuka Lake.
- Penn Yan – The Village of Penn Yan is right next to the northeast part of Jerusalem town.
- Sherman Hollow – This used to be a community in the northwest part of Jerusalem.
- Sugar Creek – A stream that flows through Guyanoga Valley and empties into Keuka Lake near Branchport.
- Yatesville – A community located at the northern border of the town. Most of it is actually in the Town of Potter.
See also
In Spanish: Jerusalem (Nueva York) para niños
