Hector, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hector
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 Hector
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Schuyler |
| Area | |
| • Total | 112.58 sq mi (291.59 km2) |
| • Land | 102.37 sq mi (265.13 km2) |
| • Water | 10.21 sq mi (26.46 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,791 ft (546 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,916  |
| • Estimate
(2021)
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4,884 |
| • Density | 48.58/sq mi (18.76/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
14841
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| Area code(s) | 607 |
| FIPS code | 36-33073 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0979060 |
Hector is a town located in the northeastern part of Schuyler County, New York, in the United States. In 2020, about 4,916 people lived there. The town gets its name from Hector, a famous hero from ancient Greek stories. Hector is situated to the west of the city of Ithaca.
Contents
History of Hector
The land where Hector is located was first controlled by the Iroquois people. Later, this area became part of the Central New York Military Tract. This was land given to soldiers who fought in the American Revolution as payment.
The first people started settling here around 1790. However, the first person to permanently live here arrived in 1791.
The town of Hector was officially created in 1802. It was formed from a part of the town of Ovid in Cayuga County. From 1804 to 1817, Hector was part of Seneca County. This included a small community called Reynoldsville.
In 1817, Hector became part of Tompkins County when that county was formed. Finally, in 1854, Hector became part of Schuyler County. This happened when Schuyler County was created, taking parts from Tompkins County.
The First Presbyterian Church of Hector is an important historical building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
Geography of Hector
Hector is a large town, covering about 112.5 square miles (291.5 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 102.5 square miles (265.1 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 10.0 square miles (26.4 square kilometers), is water.
The eastern edge of Hector borders Tompkins County. To the north, the town borders Seneca County. The western border of Hector is marked by Seneca Lake. This lake also forms the border with Yates County.
Hector is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York. This area is known for its long, narrow lakes that look like fingers.
Several important roads run through Hector. New York State Route 414 is a north-south highway that runs along the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. New York State Route 79 is an east-west highway in the town. Also, New York State Route 227 and New York State Route 228 meet in the northeastern part of the town, near the small community of Perry City.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 4,012 | — | |
| 1830 | 5,212 | 29.9% | |
| 1840 | 5,652 | 8.4% | |
| 1850 | 6,052 | 7.1% | |
| 1860 | 5,623 | −7.1% | |
| 1870 | 4,905 | −12.8% | |
| 1880 | 5,025 | 2.4% | |
| 1890 | 4,443 | −11.6% | |
| 1900 | 4,137 | −6.9% | |
| 1910 | 3,514 | −15.1% | |
| 1920 | 3,030 | −13.8% | |
| 1930 | 2,904 | −4.2% | |
| 1940 | 2,949 | 1.5% | |
| 1950 | 3,129 | 6.1% | |
| 1960 | 3,209 | 2.6% | |
| 1970 | 3,671 | 14.4% | |
| 1980 | 3,793 | 3.3% | |
| 1990 | 4,423 | 16.6% | |
| 2000 | 4,854 | 9.7% | |
| 2010 | 4,940 | 1.8% | |
| 2020 | 4,916 | −0.5% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 4,884 | −1.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
According to the 2000 census, there were 4,854 people living in Hector. These people lived in 1,872 households. About 1,349 of these households were families. The population density was about 47.4 people per square mile.
The average household in Hector had about 2.59 people. The average family had about 2.98 people.
The population was spread out across different age groups. About 27.1% of the people were under 18 years old. About 11.0% were 65 years old or older. The average age of people in Hector was 38 years.
Communities and Locations in Hector
Hector is home to several smaller communities and interesting spots:
- Bennettsburg – This is a small community, or hamlet, located on NY Route 79. It is in the southern part of the town. This place was once known as "Hamburgh."
- Burdett – This is a village situated east of Seneca Lake. It is also located on NY-79.
- Cat Elbow Corner – A hamlet found right at the northern border of the town.
- Cayutaville – This hamlet is in the southeastern corner of Hector. It is located on County Road 6.
- East Steamburg – Another hamlet located near the northern town line. You can find it on County Road 1.
- Finger Lakes National Forest – A large national forest that covers part of the north-central area of the town. It's a great place for outdoor activities.
- Hector Falls Point – This is a piece of land that sticks out into Seneca Lake. It is located to the west of Burdett.
- Logan – A hamlet found where County Roads 2 and 4 meet. It is in the western part of Hector. The Logan Methodist Church here was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
- McIntyre Settlement – This used to be a hamlet. It was located along County Road 6, between Strong and Culver roads. It was about one mile south of Mecklenburg.
- Mecklenburg – A hamlet located where County Road 6 and NY-79 meet. It is near the eastern border of the town.
- Perry City – This hamlet is near the eastern town line. It is located by Routes NY-227 and NY-228.
- Reynoldsville – A hamlet located on NY-227, near the center of the town.
- Searsburg – A hamlet in the northeastern corner of the town. It is located on County Road 1.
- Smith Valley – A hamlet on NY-228 in the southeastern part of the town.
- Valois – A hamlet located north of the main Hector community on NY-414. This is where Breakneck Creek flows into Seneca Lake.
See also
In Spanish: Hector (Nueva York) para niños
