Skaneateles, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Skaneateles
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A home on the west shore of Skaneateles Lake
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| Nickname(s):
Skantown, Skan
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Location in Onondaga County and the state of New York.
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 Skaneateles
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Onondaga |
| Government | |
| • Type | Town Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 48.83 sq mi (126.46 km2) |
| • Land | 42.61 sq mi (110.35 km2) |
| • Water | 6.22 sq mi (16.11 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 7,112 |
| • Density | 166.91/sq mi (64.45/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 315 |
| FIPS code | 36-067-67521 |
Skaneateles (pronounced SKAN-ee-AT-ləs or SKIN-AT-ləs) is a town in Onondaga County, New York, United States. In 2020, about 7,112 people lived here. The name comes from an Iroquois word for the nearby lake, which means "long lake." The town is on the western edge of the county. It includes a small village, also called Skaneateles. Both the town and village are located southwest of the city of Syracuse.
Contents
A Look Back: Skaneateles History
Skaneateles has a rich history, playing a part in important events and social changes. It was once part of a special land area called the Central New York Military Tract. This land was given to soldiers after the American Revolutionary War.
How Skaneateles Became a Town
The town of Skaneateles was officially created on February 26, 1830. It was formed from a larger town called Marcellus. Later, in 1840, some areas from the Town of Spafford were added to Skaneateles. Early roads, known as turnpikes, helped the town grow and develop.
Skaneateles and Social Change
Before the Civil War, Skaneateles was known for being involved in movements that wanted to change society for the better.
The Skaneateles Community Experiment
In 1843, a group called the Skaneateles Community started a unique project. They bought a large farm and tried to live and work together. They also started small businesses. However, the community eventually ended in 1846. This happened because of problems among the members and concerns from people outside the group. They even published a newspaper called the "Comunitist" for a few years. Today, some of their original buildings are still standing and are known as "Community Place."
Supporting Freedom: The Abolitionist Movement
Skaneateles was a very important place for the abolitionist movement. This movement worked to end slavery in the United States. Many Quaker religious groups in the area were active in this cause.
The town was also a part of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Even though the nearby city of Syracuse was famous for its abolitionist work, some historians say Skaneateles was even more active in fighting against slavery.
Local History Recorded
On July 4, 1876, a local resident named John Dodgson Barrow gave a speech about the history of Skaneateles village. He later had this speech printed as a book in 1891.
Historic Places to See
Several places in Skaneateles are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites that are protected. These include the Brook Farm, Community Place, and Kelsey-Davey Farm.
Where is Skaneateles Located?
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Skaneateles covers a total area of about 48.8 square miles (126.46 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 42.7 square miles (110.35 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 6.1 square miles (16.11 square kilometers), is water, mainly from Skaneateles Lake.
Who Lives in Skaneateles?
Let's look at the people who call Skaneateles home.
Population Growth Over Time
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1830 | 3,812 | — | |
| 1840 | 3,981 | 4.4% | |
| 1850 | 4,081 | 2.5% | |
| 1860 | 4,335 | 6.2% | |
| 1870 | 4,524 | 4.4% | |
| 1880 | 4,866 | 7.6% | |
| 1890 | 4,662 | −4.2% | |
| 1900 | 4,205 | −9.8% | |
| 1910 | 4,274 | 1.6% | |
| 1920 | 4,247 | −0.6% | |
| 1930 | 4,795 | 12.9% | |
| 1940 | 4,639 | −3.3% | |
| 1950 | 5,193 | 11.9% | |
| 1960 | 6,603 | 27.2% | |
| 1970 | 7,825 | 18.5% | |
| 1980 | 7,795 | −0.4% | |
| 1990 | 7,526 | −3.5% | |
| 2000 | 7,323 | −2.7% | |
| 2010 | 7,209 | −1.6% | |
| 2020 | 7,112 | −1.3% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 7,155 | −0.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Skaneateles has changed over many years. In 2020, there were 7,112 people living in the town. The number of people per square mile is about 166.91.
Understanding the Community
In 2020, there were 1,998 families living in Skaneateles. About 20.2% of households had children under 18 years old. Many households, about 49.1%, were married couples.
The average household size was 2.33 people, and the average family size was 2.87 people.
Age Groups in Skaneateles
In 2021, about 21.1% of the people in Skaneateles were under 18 years old. About 29.7% were 65 years old or older. The average age in the town was 51.1 years.
Income and Economy
In 2021, the average income for a household in Skaneateles was about $90,762. For families, the average income was about $120,667. About 5.1% of the population lived below the poverty line.
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Neighborhoods and Places in Skaneateles
The Town of Skaneateles includes several smaller communities and neighborhoods.
- Highland Way – A neighborhood just east of Skaneateles village.
- Jones Beach – A small community on the east shore of Skaneateles Lake.
- Long Bridge – A community at the northern edge of the town.
- Mandana – A community located along the west side of Skaneateles Lake.
- Mottville – A community a couple of miles north of Skaneateles village.
- Shepard Settlement – A community known for farming.
- Skaneateles – The main village at the north end of Skaneateles Lake.
- Skaneateles Falls – A community northwest of Skaneateles village.
- Thornton Grove – A neighborhood on the west shore of the lake.
- Thornton Heights – Another lakeshore neighborhood on the west side.
- Wicks Corners – A neighborhood on the western border of the town.
- Willow Glen – A neighborhood north of Skaneateles village.
- Winding Way – A neighborhood also on the west shore of Skaneateles Lake.
Famous People from Skaneateles
Many interesting people have connections to Skaneateles.
- John Dodgson Barrow (1824–1906), a famous artist.
- Mary Elizabeth Beauchamp (1825–1903), an educator and writer.
- Neilia Hunter Biden (1942–1972), the first wife of Joe Biden.
- Barry Crimmins (1953–2018), a comedian and activist.
- Clara Cannucciari (1915–2013), a popular online video creator and author.
- Sheldon Dibble (1809–1845), a missionary.
- Michelle Feldman (born 1976), a professional bowler.
- Searles G. Shultz (1897–1976), a lawyer and politician.
- Marshall I. Ludington (1839–1919), a high-ranking officer in the U.S. Army.
- James Reuel Smith (1852–1935), a photographer known for his pictures of New York City.
- Tom Scherrer (born 1970), a professional golfer who won several tournaments.
See also
In Spanish: Skaneateles para niños
