Naples, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Naples
|
|
|---|---|
South Main Street in the village center, as seen in June 2021
|
|
 Naples
Location in New York
Naples
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Ontario |
| Area | |
| • Total | 39.69 sq mi (102.78 km2) |
| • Land | 39.69 sq mi (102.78 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 2,417  |
| • Estimate
(2021)
|
2,405 |
| • Density | 62.37/sq mi (24.08/km2) |
| Time zone | EST |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT |
| FIPS code | 36-069-49440 |
Naples is a small town in Ontario County, New York, United States. About 2,417 people lived there in 2020.
The Town of Naples includes a smaller area called the Village of Naples. It is located in the southwestern part of Ontario County. This area is famous for its beautiful Finger Lakes region in New York.
Every September, Naples hosts the exciting Naples Grape Festival. The area is well-known for its many wineries and tasty grape pie.
Contents
History of Naples
Naples was once part of a large land deal called the Phelps and Gorham Purchase.
Early Settlement and Name Changes
The town was created in 1789, the same year as Ontario County. It was built on the site of an old Native American village called Nundawao. People started settling here the very next year.
Naples was also a part of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. Some old houses in Naples still have hidden spots from that time.
In 1789, the town was first known as "Watkinstown." This name honored Captains Nathan and William Watkins, who were heroes from the Revolutionary War and early settlers. Later, in 1796, it was called "Middletown." Finally, in 1808, the town received its current name, "Naples." It took a while for many people to settle here because the land was very hilly and rough.
Town Divisions and Grape Industry
Over time, parts of Naples were used to form other towns. In 1815, the Town of Italy was created from Naples. In 1816, part of the Town of Springwater was also formed from Naples.
Grapes were first planted in the 1860s. This led to the big grape and wine industry you see in Naples today. It also led to the yearly grape festival, which started in 1961. One of these festivals was even shown on the World Food Network!
Local Landmarks and Education
The village of Naples is home to St. Januarius Catholic Church. This church has a special design by James Johnson. The local grape industry inspired much of the church's design, with grape themes everywhere.
The Widmer's Winery in Naples produces Manischewitz wine.
Naples Academy was started in 1860. The main building of the school today was built during the Great Depression. This was part of a program by President FDR to create jobs. The school district now teaches students from Pre-Kindergarten all the way to 12th grade. Younger students (Pre-K to 6th grade) go to the Elementary School. Older students (7th to 12th grade) attend the Jr/Sr High School across the street.
Famous People from Naples
- Myron Holley Clark (1806-1892): He was a governor of New York.
- Meghan Musnicki (born 1983): An amazing Olympic athlete.
- Lyman H. Smith (1918–1996): He was a judge on the New York Supreme Court.
Geography of Naples
Naples covers about 39.5 square miles (102.3 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the town limits.
Land Features and Borders
The land in Naples is very hilly. Long ago, people thought this land was almost worthless. It was sold to the first settlers for only twelve cents an acre!
The western edge of Naples borders Livingston County. The southern edge borders Steuben County. To the east, Naples borders Yates County.
Roads and Natural Attractions
Two main roads, New York State Route 21 and New York State Route 245, meet in Naples village. New York State Route 53 is another road that runs north and south in the southern part of Naples.
The town is located southwest of Canandaigua Lake, which is one of the beautiful Finger Lakes. Naples Creek flows past the village and into a lake that locals call "the Digger."
Grimes Glen is a popular hiking trail near the Village of Naples. It has many lovely waterfalls. Grimes Glen became a public park in 2008, so everyone can enjoy its natural beauty.
Communities and Places in Naples
- Garlinghouse – A small community in the western part of the town.
- High Tor Wildlife Management Area – A special area for wildlife conservation. Part of it is in eastern Naples.
- Hunt Hollow – A community in the northwest corner of the town, located on County Road 36.
- Naples – This is the main village within the Town of Naples, found along NY-21.
- Semans Corners – A community in the northeast corner of the town, west of Woodville.
- Woodville – A community at the very northeast corner of the town. It's at the foot of Canandaigua Lake, also on NY-21.
See also
In Spanish: Naples (Nueva York) para niños
