Ridgeway, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ridgeway, New York
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Location in Orleans County and the state of New York.
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Location of New York in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Orleans |
| Area | |
| • Total | 50.24 sq mi (130.13 km2) |
| • Land | 50.03 sq mi (129.57 km2) |
| • Water | 0.22 sq mi (0.56 km2) |
| Elevation | 410 ft (125 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 6,780 |
| • Estimate
(2016)
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6,487 |
| • Density | 129.67/sq mi (50.07/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| FIPS code | 36-61742 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0979422 |
Ridgeway is a small town located in Orleans County, New York, in the United States. In 2010, about 6,780 people lived here. The town gets its name from "Ridge Road," which was a very important road in the 1800s.
The Town of Ridgeway is on the western edge of Orleans County. This county is next to Lake Ontario to the north.
Contents
History of Ridgeway
Early Settlement and Land Deals
After the American Revolutionary War, many people from New England and eastern New York moved to this area. Before this, the land belonged to the Seneca Nation. They were part of the Haudenosaunee, also known as the Six Nations. The Seneca Nation gave up this land in 1797 through a treaty called the Treaty of Big Tree.
However, even before the Seneca Nation, from 1644 to 1647, this area was home to the Wenro and Neuter People. Later, in 1792 and 1793, a group of Dutch business people, called the Holland Land Company, bought much of the land.
Forming the Town
The Town of Ridgeway was officially created in 1812. This was during the War of 1812, when the United States and Britain were fighting over the border with Canada. Ridgeway was formed from a larger area called Batavia.
In 1818, a part of Ridgeway was used to create a new town called Town of Shelby. Later, in 1825, the State Legislature formed Orleans County.
Developing Medina Village
In 1823, a person named Ebenezer Mix was hired to plan out the future village of Medina. The northern part of Medina is actually located within the Town of Ridgeway.
Today, the towns of Shelby and Ridgeway share one town court. They also share an assessor, who helps decide the value of properties.
Historic Buildings
The Servoss House is an important historical building in Ridgeway. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. This means it is recognized as a place worth preserving for its history.
Geography of Ridgeway
Land and Water
Ridgeway covers about 50.3 square miles (130.13 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 50.0 square miles (129.57 square kilometers), is land. Only a small part, about 0.2 square miles (0.56 square kilometers), is water.
Neighboring Areas and Roads
To the west, Ridgeway shares a border with the Town of Hartland in Niagara County. Part of this border is defined by New York State Route 269.
Two important roads, New York State Route 63 and New York State Route 104, cross paths in the western part of the town. Another road, New York State Route 31E, runs through the southeastern section of Ridgeway.
Rivers and Lakes
The Oak Orchard River flows through the town. It travels north towards Lake Ontario. There is also a small lake called Glenwood Lake. It is shared with the Village of Medina and drains into the Oak Orchard River.
Population of Ridgeway
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 1,496 | — | |
| 1830 | 1,939 | 29.6% | |
| 1840 | 3,554 | 83.3% | |
| 1850 | 4,591 | 29.2% | |
| 1860 | 4,706 | 2.5% | |
| 1870 | 5,096 | 8.3% | |
| 1880 | 5,495 | 7.8% | |
| 1890 | 5,790 | 5.4% | |
| 1900 | 5,898 | 1.9% | |
| 1910 | 6,538 | 10.9% | |
| 1920 | 5,969 | −8.7% | |
| 1930 | 6,068 | 1.7% | |
| 1940 | 5,826 | −4.0% | |
| 1950 | 6,217 | 6.7% | |
| 1960 | 6,911 | 11.2% | |
| 1970 | 7,209 | 4.3% | |
| 1980 | 7,278 | 1.0% | |
| 1990 | 7,341 | 0.9% | |
| 2000 | 6,886 | −6.2% | |
| 2010 | 6,780 | −1.5% | |
| 2016 (est.) | 6,487 | −4.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 6,886 people living in Ridgeway. These people lived in 2,627 households, and 1,841 of these were families. The population density was about 137.6 people per square mile.
About 34.3% of the households had children under 18 living with them. Many households, 52.6%, were married couples. About 23.9% of all households were made up of people living alone.
The average age of people in the town was 37 years old. About 28% of the population was under 18 years old.
Notable People from Ridgeway
- Charles Bogardus – He was a state legislator in Illinois. He also worked as a farmer and businessman.
- John Caldwell – He was born in Ridgeway and later became a US Congressman for Michigan.
- Austin Young – He is a graduate of Alden High School and works in sanitation. He is also the Mayor of Ridgeway.
Communities and Locations in Ridgeway
- Glenwood Lake – A small lake shared with the Village of Medina. It flows into the Oak Orchard River.
- Jeddo – A small community located near the western town line on NY-104.
- Knowlesville – A small community found along the Erie Canal. It was named after an early settler, William Knowles. This is also where the Orleans County fairgrounds are located.
- Medina – The northern part of the Village of Medina is within the town of Ridgeway.
- North Ridgeway – A community located at the western town line on NY-269.
- Oak Orchard on-the-Ridge – A location on NY-104 on the eastern side of the town, close to the Oak Orchard River.
- Oak Orchard River – A river that flows north through the town.
- Ridgeway – A community located where Routes NY-63 and NY-104 meet.
- West Ridgeway – A community located west of the Ridgeway hamlet on NY-104.
See also
In Spanish: Ridgeway (Nueva York) para niños
