Montour, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Montour, New York
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 Montour, New York
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Schuyler |
| Area | |
| • Total | 18.58 sq mi (48.13 km2) |
| • Land | 18.58 sq mi (48.12 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 741 ft (226 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,323 |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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2,259 |
| • Density | 125.03/sq mi (48.28/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 607 |
| FIPS code | 36-48186 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0979233 |
Montour is a small town located in Schuyler County, New York, United States. In 2020, about 2,323 people lived there. It is one of two towns in the county named after Catherine Montour, an important historical figure.
The Town of Montour is in the southern part of Schuyler County. It is just north of the city of Elmira.
Contents
History of Montour
Early Native American History
Long ago, the Seneca had a village here called Queanettquaga. It was also known as Catherine's Town by early settlers. In 1779, during the American Revolutionary War, this village was destroyed.
This happened during the Sullivan Expedition. Colonial forces traveled through western New York. They destroyed many Iroquois villages and their food supplies. This left the Native American people with very little when winter came.
European Settlement and Growth
European Americans first settled in the Montour area around 1794. This was after the American Revolutionary War ended. They first built homes in what is now the village of Montour Falls. This village was named for a beautiful waterfall nearby. The Seneca people called this waterfall Che-qua-gah, meaning "roaring water."
In 1833, the Chemung Canal was finished. This canal went through the town. It connected Montour to other waterways, making travel and trade easier. However, the canal was used less once railroads were built across the state.
Forming the Town
Montour was the last town created in Schuyler County. It was formed in 1860. It was made from a part of the nearby Town of Catharine.
A historic building called the Lee School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This means it is an important historical site.
Geography of Montour
Montour covers an area of about 18.6 square miles (48.1 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. Only a very small part is water.
The southern border of the town touches Chemung County. This county is to the south.
The town is also located south of Seneca Lake. Seneca Lake is one of the famous Finger Lakes in New York.
Two main roads meet in Montour Falls. These are New York State Route 14 and New York State Route 224. Route 14 goes south through the Catharine Creek Valley. It follows the same path where the old Chemung Canal used to be.
Population Facts
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 1,828 | — | |
| 1880 | 1,771 | −3.1% | |
| 1890 | 1,987 | 12.2% | |
| 1900 | 1,623 | −18.3% | |
| 1910 | 1,608 | −0.9% | |
| 1920 | 1,967 | 22.3% | |
| 1930 | 1,868 | −5.0% | |
| 1940 | 1,774 | −5.0% | |
| 1950 | 1,985 | 11.9% | |
| 1960 | 2,182 | 9.9% | |
| 1970 | 2,324 | 6.5% | |
| 1980 | 2,607 | 12.2% | |
| 1990 | 2,528 | −3.0% | |
| 2000 | 2,446 | −3.2% | |
| 2010 | 2,308 | −5.6% | |
| 2020 | 2,323 | 0.6% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 2,259 | −2.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In the year 2000, there were 2,446 people living in Montour. These people lived in 1,005 households. About 658 of these households were families.
The population density was about 131 people per square mile. This means that on average, 131 people lived in each square mile of the town.
About 21% of the people in town were under 18 years old. About 20% were 65 years or older. The average age of people in Montour was 42 years old.
Places in Montour
- Catharine Creek – This is a stream that flows north towards Seneca Lake. Part of it was changed to create the Chemung Canal.
- Catharine Creek Wildlife Management Area – This is a special area in northern Montour. It is set aside to protect wildlife and nature.
- Deckertown – This is a small community, or hamlet, located southeast of Montour Falls.
- Montour Falls (once called "Havana") – Most of this village is located at the western edge of the town.
- Watkins Glen – A small part of the Village of Watkins Glen is also at the western edge of the town. It is near Seneca Lake.
See also
In Spanish: Montour (Nueva York) para niños
