Montezuma, New York facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Montezuma, New York
Town
Motto(s):  "Celebrating Our Erie Canal Heritage"
Location within Cayuga County and New York
Montezuma, New York Location in New York
Country	United States
State	New York
County	Cayuga
Government
• Type	Town Council
Area
• Total	18.71 sq mi (48.47 km2)
• Land	18.24 sq mi (47.25 km2)
• Water	0.47 sq mi (1.22 km2)
Elevation	387 ft (118 m)
Population  (2010)
• Total	1,277
• Estimate  (2016)	1,239
• Density	67.92/sq mi (26.22/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	13117
Area code(s)	315
FIPS code	36-011-48131
GNIS feature ID	0979231

Montezuma is a small town located in Cayuga County, New York, United States. In 2010, about 1,277 people lived there.

The town is found along the Seneca River. It sits at the western edge of Cayuga County. Montezuma is also northwest of the city of Auburn. The famous Erie Canal was built through this area. This brought new businesses and trade to the town. Railroads also helped the town grow.

Today, there are special historic areas here. These areas protect the history of the canal. There are also national and state wildlife areas. These places help save the natural beauty of the Montezuma Swamp. This swamp was once one of the biggest wetlands in the Northeast. It stretched from Cayuga Lake almost to Lake Ontario.

History of Montezuma

This land was originally part of a large territory. It was controlled by the Five Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. They had lived here long before Europeans arrived. Most Europeans did not travel this far west. They mostly traded with the Mohawk nation to the East.

Revolutionary War Impact

During the American Revolutionary War, there was a lot of fighting. This fighting happened on the frontier. Joseph Brant, a Mohawk chief, led Iroquois and Loyalist fighters. They fought against American patriot villages. In response, General George Washington sent the Sullivan Expedition. This group was meant to punish the Iroquois.

They attacked villages of the Seneca and Cayuga. These villages were in western New York. More than 50 villages were destroyed. Their winter food and crops were also ruined. Many Iroquois people had to flee to Canada. Many people died that winter because of starvation.

Early Settlers and Salt Production

After the war, this area became a reservation. It was set aside for the Cayuga tribe. But New York later sold much of this land. The Cayuga people had to share land with the Seneca tribe. The Cayuga Nation of New York did not have their own land again until the early 2000s.

European-American settlers started arriving around 1798. Some came from the Mohawk Valley. Others came from New England. The Mentz Church was started by these early settlers.

Making salt was an important early business. Salt came from natural salt springs. The Iroquois had used these springs for a long time.

The Erie Canal's Influence

The Erie Canal was built through Montezuma in the 1820s. It was very popular for travel and trade. So, the state decided to make it bigger. During this expansion, a huge structure was built. It was called the Richmond Aqueduct (1849-1856).

This aqueduct carried part of the canal over the Seneca River. It had 31 stone arches. It was 11 feet high and 22 feet wide. This was the second-largest aqueduct on the Enlarged Erie Canal. It cost $125,000 to build.

The Town of Montezuma was officially created in 1859. It was formed from the town of Mentz. The Mentz Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. The Seneca River Crossing Canals Historic District was added in 2005.

Montezuma Heritage Park was created in the early 2000s. It helps protect the history and nature of the canal and river area. This park tells the story of the four different canals built in Montezuma. These canals became part of the current Canal System.

Geography and Natural Areas

Montezuma covers about 48.5 square kilometers (18.7 square miles). Most of this area is land. About 1.2 square kilometers (0.47 square miles) is water.

The western border of the town is mostly the Seneca River. This river also forms part of the Cayuga–Seneca Canal. This border separates Montezuma from Seneca County. The northwest border is with Wayne County. This border is also marked by the Seneca River and the Erie Canal.

Major Roads

The New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) crosses through the town. US 20 and New York State Route 5 run together through the southwest part of town. New York State Route 90 is a north-south road. It crosses New York State Route 31 north of Montezuma village.

Montezuma Swamp and Wildlife

A large part of the important Montezuma Swamp is in the town. This swamp is a key stop for migratory birds. It is part of the Atlantic Flyway. In the past, about 70% of the swamp was drained. This was done for farming. But the parts that are left are very important. They provide homes for many migratory birds and other animals.

Population Information

In 2000, there were 1,431 people living in Montezuma. There were 498 households. About 39.6% of these households had children under 18. Most households (59.6%) were married couples living together. The average household had 2.87 people. The average family had 3.22 people.

The population was spread out by age. About 30% of people were under 18. About 8.8% were 65 or older. The average age was 35 years.

Communities and Locations in Montezuma

• Fox Ridge – This is a small hamlet. It is located by the Erie Canal. It is also near the northern border of the town.
• Free Bridge Corners – You can find this spot in the southwest corner of the town.
• Montezuma – This is a hamlet in the northwest part of the town. Route 90 was built here. It used to be a village in 1866, but it later gave up that status.
• Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge – This is a large area for protecting nature. It is on the western side of the town.
• Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area – Part of this state-protected area is in the northern part of the town.
• Montezuma Station – This hamlet is located between Fox Ridge and Willow Grove.
• Willow Grove – This hamlet is near the western town line. It is right next to the Erie Canal.

See also

• In Spanish: Montezuma (Nueva York) para niños