Virgil, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Virgil, New York
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Location within Cortland County and New York
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 Virgil, New York
Location in the United States
Virgil, New York
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Cortland |
| Area | |
| • Total | 47.40 sq mi (122.76 km2) |
| • Land | 47.37 sq mi (122.69 km2) |
| • Water | 0.03 sq mi (0.07 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,424 ft (434 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 2,401 |
| • Estimate
(2016)
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2,387 |
| • Density | 50.39/sq mi (19.46/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
13045
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| Area Code | 607 |
| FIPS code | 36-023-77596 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0979588 |
Virgil is a small town in Cortland County, New York. In 2010, about 2,401 people lived there. The town is named after Virgil, a famous poet from ancient Rome. You can find Virgil in the southwestern part of Cortland County, just south of the city of Cortland.
Contents
History of Virgil
Early Settlements
The land where Virgil is located was once part of the Central New York Military Tract. This land was given to soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. A clerk who loved Classics (ancient Greek and Roman studies) chose the name "Virgil" for one of these land areas.
The first settlers arrived in Virgil around 1792. The town officially became a town in 1804. It was formed from a larger town called Homer.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, Virgil's size changed. In 1845, parts of Virgil were used to create two new towns: Harford and Lapeer. Virgil also gave up some land to the towns of Cortlandville and Freetown. By 1865, the town's population was 2,009 people.
Geography of Virgil
Land and Water
Virgil covers about 122.7 square kilometers (about 47.4 square miles). Most of this area is land, with only a tiny bit (about 0.1 square kilometers or 0.08%) being water.
The eastern part of Virgil has streams like Gridley Creek. These streams flow into the Tioughnioga River. The Tioughnioga River then joins the Susquehanna River, which eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean through the Chesapeake Bay. A small southern part of the town also drains into the Susquehanna watershed.
The western part of Virgil is on the Allegheny Plateau. Water here flows mainly through Virgil Creek and other streams. These streams flow west into Fall Creek, which is part of the Cayuga Lake watershed. This water then heads north towards Lake Ontario and finally reaches the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Virgil Creek is special because it cuts through a large glacial ridge called the Valley Heads Moraine.
Neighboring Towns
Virgil shares its western border with Dryden in Tompkins County. Most of its eastern border is next to Freetown. To the north, Virgil borders Cortlandville. Part of the eastern border also follows the Tioughnioga River. To the south, Virgil is next to Harford and Lapeer.
Roads and Routes
Several important roads are near Virgil. U.S. Route 11 and Interstate 81 pass close to the eastern town line, near the Tioughnioga River. New York State Route 215 starts in Cortland and ends in the hamlet of Virgil, where it meets New York State Route 392. New York State Route 13 crosses through the very northwest corner of the town.
Population of Virgil
How Many People Live Here?
The population of Virgil has changed over many years. Here's a quick look at how many people have lived in Virgil:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 2,411 | — | |
| 1830 | 3,912 | 62.3% | |
| 1840 | 4,541 | 16.1% | |
| 1850 | 2,231 | −50.9% | |
| 1860 | 2,223 | −0.4% | |
| 1870 | 1,880 | −15.4% | |
| 1880 | 1,854 | −1.4% | |
| 1890 | 1,518 | −18.1% | |
| 1900 | 1,326 | −12.6% | |
| 1910 | 1,136 | −14.3% | |
| 1920 | 1,069 | −5.9% | |
| 1930 | 1,137 | 6.4% | |
| 1940 | 1,257 | 10.6% | |
| 1950 | 1,257 | 0.0% | |
| 1960 | 1,420 | 13.0% | |
| 1970 | 1,692 | 19.2% | |
| 1980 | 2,053 | 21.3% | |
| 1990 | 2,172 | 5.8% | |
| 2000 | 2,287 | 5.3% | |
| 2010 | 2,401 | 5.0% | |
| 2016 (est.) | 2,387 | −0.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 2,287 people living in Virgil. There were 833 households, and 623 of these were families. The population density was about 48 people per square mile. Most people (97.46%) identified as White.
Age and Households
About 36.3% of households had children under 18 living with them. Most households (62.4%) were married couples living together. About 27.2% of the population was under 18 years old. The average age in Virgil was 37 years.
Places in Virgil
Here are some interesting communities and spots you can find in Virgil:
- East Virgil – This is a small village, called a hamlet, in the southeastern part of the town. It's located on NY-392.
- Franks Corners – You can find this spot in the southwestern part of the town.
- Gee Hill – This area is on the western edge of Virgil. It was first settled by John Gee and his family in 1795. It was the third place settled in the town.
- Greek Peak Mountain Resort – This is a popular skiing area. It's on NY-392, just east of the main Virgil hamlet.
- Hollenbeck Hollow – This is a valley located near the western town line.
- Hollenbeck's Cidermill – This cidermill was started by Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck in 1932. It's located near the center of Virgil.
- Messengerville (also known as "State Bridge") – This hamlet is right on the eastern town line. Here, NY-392 ends where it meets U.S. Route 11.
- Virgil – This is the main village, or hamlet, of Virgil. It's where NY-215 and NY-392 meet. Virgil Creek flows through this community.
- Virgil Elementary School – This school is on Church Street and Route 392 in the middle of Virgil. Its playground is the only park in Virgil. The playground has a walking trail with exercise spots. A new part of the trail goes to the courthouse.
Notable People from Virgil
- Martha B. O'Donnell (1836-1925) — She was an activist who worked for temperance (avoiding alcohol) and women's right to vote. She also edited and published newspapers and magazines.
See also
In Spanish: Virgil (Nueva York) para niños
