Laurens, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laurens, New York
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Otsego County map with the Town of Laurens in Red
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Otsego |
| Area | |
| • Total | 42.17 sq mi (109.21 km2) |
| • Land | 42.05 sq mi (108.91 km2) |
| • Water | 0.12 sq mi (0.31 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,112 ft (339 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 2,424 |
| • Estimate
(2016)
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2,311 |
| • Density | 54.96/sq mi (21.22/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
13796
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| Area code(s) | 607 |
| FIPS code | 36-077-41531 |
Laurens is a small town in Otsego County, New York, United States. In 2010, about 2,424 people lived there.
The Town of Laurens is located in the southern part of Otsego County. It is just north of the City of Oneonta. There is also a smaller place called Laurens Village inside the town.
Contents
History of Laurens
Early Settlement and Name
People from Europe first started settling in the Laurens area around 1773. Joseph Mayall was one of the first settlers. He arrived in 1773, about a mile north of where Laurens village is today.
During the American Revolutionary War, a group of raiders attacked the area. They were the same group that caused the Cherry Valley Massacre. They damaged parts of Laurens and burned some buildings.
The town was officially formed in 1810. It was created from a larger area called the Town of Otsego. Laurens was named after Henry Laurens, a hero from the Revolutionary War.
Past Industries and Education
In the past, Laurens had a resort called Otsego Park. It was built by the Oneonta Mohawk trolley line. This park was in the eastern part of Laurens.
Cotton mills were also an important industry here. They used the water from Gilbert Lake to power their machines.
Today, Laurens Central School is well-known. It has excellent music programs, including a concert band, jazz band, and color guard.
Notable People from Laurens
- Emelyn Elizabeth Gardner: She was a folklorist, someone who studies traditional stories and customs. She was also an English professor.
- Mel Gibson: This famous actor lived in Mount Vision, a small community in Laurens, when he was a child. He went to Laurens Central School before his family moved to Australia.
- Perry G. Harrington: He was born in Laurens. He later became a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.
- Mary Whitcher: She was a Shaker leader, a teacher, and an author. She was born in Laurens and later worked at the Canterbury Shaker Village.
Geography of Laurens
Land and Water
The town of Laurens covers about 42.7 square miles (110.5 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. Only a small part, about 0.1 square mile (0.3 square kilometers), is water.
Otego Creek is a stream that flows south through the eastern part of Laurens. You can also find a sulfur spring about a mile north of Laurens village.
Roads and Transportation
Two main highways pass through Laurens. New York State Route 205 runs north and south, following Otego Creek. New York State Route 23 goes east and west through the middle of the town.
Population Information
The population of Laurens has changed over the years. Here's a look at how many people have lived in the town during different census years:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 2,074 | — | |
| 1830 | 2,231 | 7.6% | |
| 1840 | 2,173 | −2.6% | |
| 1850 | 2,168 | −0.2% | |
| 1860 | 1,936 | −10.7% | |
| 1870 | 1,919 | −0.9% | |
| 1880 | 1,827 | −4.8% | |
| 1890 | 1,659 | −9.2% | |
| 1900 | 1,483 | −10.6% | |
| 1910 | 1,453 | −2.0% | |
| 1920 | 1,335 | −8.1% | |
| 1930 | 1,423 | 6.6% | |
| 1940 | 1,395 | −2.0% | |
| 1950 | 1,447 | 3.7% | |
| 1960 | 1,498 | 3.5% | |
| 1970 | 1,730 | 15.5% | |
| 1980 | 2,101 | 21.4% | |
| 1990 | 2,349 | 11.8% | |
| 2000 | 2,402 | 2.3% | |
| 2010 | 2,424 | 0.9% | |
| 2016 (est.) | 2,311 | −4.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 2,402 people living in Laurens. About 25.8% of the population was under 18 years old. The average age of people in Laurens was 40 years.
Communities and Locations in Laurens
- Butts Corners – This is a small area north of West Laurens. You can find it on County Road 10.
- East Hill – This is a raised area (an elevation) located east of Laurens.
- Gilbert Lake State Park – A state park that is partly inside the northern border of the town. It's a great place for outdoor activities.
- Laurens – This is the main village within the town. It's located where County Roads 10, 11, and 12 meet, near Otsego Creek.
- Mount Vision – A small community (hamlet) in the northeastern part of the town. It's on NY-205 and used to be called "Jacksonville."
- Naylor Corners – This area is at the northern edge of the town. The Bassett Family House and Kenyon Residences are historic buildings here.
- Oneonta Municipal Airport (N66) – This airport is about three miles north of the City of Oneonta. It is located in the southeastern part of the Town of Laurens.
- West Laurens – Another small community (hamlet) in the town. It's at the crossing of NY-23 and County Road 10, near the western town line. It was once known as "Sheepskin."
See also
In Spanish: Laurens (Nueva York) para niños
