Niagara County, New York: Difference between revisions

{{useUse mdy dates|date=NovemberApril 20212024}}

| county = Niagara County

| state = New York

| type = [[List of counties in New York|County]]

| flag = Us-ny-ni.gif

| founded year = 1808

| founded date = March 11

| seat = [[Lockport (city), New York|Lockport]]

| largest city = [[Niagara Falls, New York|Niagara Falls]]

| area_total_sq_mi = 1140

| area_land_sq_mi = 522

| area_water_sq_mi = 617

| area percentage = 54

| census yr = 2020

| pop = 212666<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Population%20Total&g=0400000US36%240500000&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29|access-date=2 January 2, 2022|title=US Census 2020 Population Dataset Tables for New York|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

| density_sq_mi = 407.1

| time zone = Eastern

| web = www.niagaracounty.com

| ex image = Niagara County Clerks Office Jun 09.JPG

| ex image cap = Niagara County Clerks Office

| district = 26th24th

| district2 = 27th26th

'''Niagara County''' is in the [[U.S. state]] of [[New York (state)|New York]]. As of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]], the population was 212,666.<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/36/36063.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 12, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014443/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/36/36063.html|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref> The [[county seat]] is [[Lockport (city), New York|Lockport]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011-06-07|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The county name is from the [[Iroquois]] word ''Onguiaahra''; meaning ''the strait'' or ''thunder of waters''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ongiaracollege.ca/webpages/ongiara_region.shtml |title=ArchivedThe copyRegion: Ongiara |access-date=October 9, 2008-10-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206011850/http://ongiaracollege.ca/webpages/ongiara_region.shtml |archive-date=February 6, 2009-02-06 }} Retrieved 9 October 9, 2008</ref> The county is part of the [[Western New York]] region of the state.

It is the location of [[Niagara Falls]] and [[Fort Niagara]], and has many parks and lake shore recreation communities. In the summer of 2008, Niagara County celebrated its 200th birthday with the first settlement of the county, of [[Niagara Falls, New York|Niagara Falls.]]

Albany was an enormous county, including the northern part of New York State as well as all of the present State of [[Vermont]] and, in theory, extending westward to the [[Pacific Ocean]]. This county was reduced in size on July 3, 1766, by the creation of [[Cumberland County, New York|Cumberland County]], and further on March 16, 1770, by the creation of [[Gloucester County, New York|Gloucester County]], both containing territory now in Vermont.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Clute |first=Penelope D. |date=2010 |title=The Historical Society of the New York Courts County Legal History |url=https://www.nycourts.gov/history/legal-history-new-york/documents/clinton-county-history.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217162227/https://www.nycourts.gov/history/legal-history-new-york/documents/clinton-county-history.pdf |archive-date=2022-12-17 |journal=[[Northern New York American- Canadian Genealogical Society]] |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=27 |via=Historical Associations}}</ref>

On March 12, 1772, what was left of Albany County was split into three parts, one remaining under the name Albany County. One of the other pieces, [[Tryon County, New York|Tryon County]], contained the western portion (and thus, since no western boundary was specified, theoretically still extended west to the Pacific). The eastern boundary of Tryon County was approximately five miles west of the present city of [[Schenectady, New York|Schenectady]], and the county included the western part of the [[Adirondack Mountains]] and the area west of the West Branch of the [[Delaware River]]. The area then designated as Tryon County now includes 37 counties of New York State. The county was named for [[William Tryon]], colonial governor of New York.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2016 |title=Onondaga County |url=https://nymasons.org/site/onondaga-county/ |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New York |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the years prior to 1776, most of the Loyalists in Tryon County fled to [[Canada]] including the likes of local judge [[John Butler (pioneer)|John Butler]] and militia commander [[Sir John Johnson, 2nd Baronet|Sir John Johnson]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flashes of Duplin's history and government - ECU Digital Collections |url=https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/13769 |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=digital.lib.ecu.edu}}</ref> In 1784, following the peace treaty that ended the [[American Revolutionary War]], the name of Tryon County was changed to honor the general, [[Richard Montgomery]], who had captured several places in Canada and died attempting to capture the city of [[Quebec]], replacing the name of the hated British governor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2017 |title=The Unveiling of Canadian History Vol 2: FORLORN HOPE – Quebec, Nova Scotia, and the War for Independence |url=https://canadianpatriot.org/2017/11/17/the-unveiling-of-canadian-history-vol-3-the-road-to-canada-1774-1789/ |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=the Canadian patriot |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1789, [[Ontario County, New York|Ontario County]] was split off from Montgomery. In turn, [[Genesee County, New York|Genesee County]] was created from Ontario County in 1802.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=and Archives Center |first=Ontario County Records |date=2014 |title=A Guide for Family and Local History Research |url=https://ontariocountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/487/ONTARIO-COUNTY-RAIMS-GUIDE?bidId= |journal=[[Ontario County Records and Archives Center]] |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=49 |via=RECORDS, ARCHIVES, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES (RAIMS)}}</ref>

Niagara County was created from Genesee County in 1808. It was, however, larger than the present Niagara County even though it consisted of only the Town of Cambria.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Niagara County > County Information |url=https://www.niagaracounty.com/County-Information/Section5311 |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=www.niagaracounty.com}}</ref>

From 1814 to 1817, records of [[Cattaraugus County, New York|Cattaraugus County]] were divided between [[Belmont, New York|Belmont]] (the [[county seat|seat]] of [[Allegany County, New York|Allegany County]]) and [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]] (then in Niagara County). Niagara County governed the western portion of Cattaraugus County, then known as [[Perrysburg, New York|the town of Perry]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Early History of Cattaraugus County: A Brief Overview |url=https://cattco.org/museum/history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608234436/https://cattco.org/museum/history |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=Cattaraugus County}}</ref>

In 1821, [[Erie County, New York|Erie County]] was created from Niagara County.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Erie County History Article – New York Roots |url=https://www.newyorkroots.org/2013/12/06/erie-county-history-article-1/ |access-date=June 8, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>

According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|1140|sqmi}}1,139 square miles, of which {{convert|522|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|617|sqmi}} (54%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_36.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 6, 2015|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519062322/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_36.txt|archive-date=May 19, 2014}}</ref>

Niagara County is in the extrememost western part of New York State, just north of [[Buffalo, New York|the city Buffalo]] and{{convert|1140|sqmi}} adjacent tobordering [[Lake Ontario]] on its northern border, and the [[Niagara River]] and [[Canada]] on its western border.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Niagara {{!}} The State of New York |url=https://www.ny.gov/counties/niagara |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=www.ny.gov |language=en}}</ref>

The county's primary geographic feature is [[Niagara Falls]], the riverbed of which has eroded seven miles south over the past 12,000 years since the [[Last Glacial Period|last ice age]]. The Niagara River and Niagara Falls, are in effect, the drainage ditch for four of the [[Great Lakes]] which constitute the world's largest supply of [[fresh water]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Earl |date=March 4, 2010 |title=History of the landmarked Niagara Falls |url=https://www.history.com/topics/landmarks/niagara-falls |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=HISTORY |language=en}}</ref> The water flows north from [[Lake Erie]], then through the Niagara River, goes over Niagara Falls, and then on to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, eventually emptying into the North Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Where Does the Water of Niagara Falls Come From? |url=https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/blog/where-does-the-water-come-from/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=Niagara Falls Canada |language=en}}</ref> Today, tourists and visitors to the Falls see a diminished flow of water over the Falls, since a portion of the flow has been diverted for hydroelectric power purposes. Both the American and Canadian side of the Niagara River have massive electrical power plants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hotels |first=Niagara Falls |date=March 18, 2020 |title=Why Does Water Keep Flowing Over Niagara Falls? |url=https://www.niagarafallshotels.com/blog/why-does-water-keep-flowing-over-niagara-falls/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=Niagara Falls Hotels |language=en-US}}</ref>

The [[Niagara Gorge]] is the path Niagara Falls has taken over thousands of years as it continues to erode.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Five: Niagara Gorge Views |url=https://www.niagaraparks.com/things-to-do/niagara-gorge-views |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=www.niagaraparks.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Niagara Falls started at the [[Niagara Escarpment]] which cuts Niagara County in half in an east–west direction. North of the Escarpment lies the Lake Ontario plain, which is a fertile flatland used to grow grapes, apples, peaches and other fruits and vegetables. The grape variety [[Niagara (grape)|Niagara]], source of most American white grape juice but not esteemed for wine, was first grown in the county, in 1868. [[Viticulture]], or wine culture has begun to take place, with several wineries below the escarpment. This has helped to improve the depressed economy of the region.

* [[Image:I-190 (long).svg|22px]] [[Interstate 190 (New York)|Interstate 190]] (Niagara Thruway)

Niagara County is governed by a 15-member Legislature, with the Chairman of the Legislature as the de facto head of county government. Currently{{when|date=FebruaryThe 2021}}2024 Legislature, thereconsists areof 1112 members of the Republican-led Majority Caucus and fourthree members of the Democrat-led Minority Caucus. The Legislature formerly consisted of 19 members, but was downsized to 15 seats effective January 1, 2012, based on the results of a public referendum.

A subordinate county manager reports to the County Legislature. Governing functions of the Legislature rely on a committee system. There are five standing committees and one long-term ad hoc committee: Administration; Community Services; Community Safety and Security; Economic Development; Public Works; and the ''ad hoc'' Refuse Disposal District Committee .

|- {{party shading/DemocraticIndependent (US)}}

| Congressman || [[New York's 26th congressional district]] || North Tonawanda, Tonawanda, Niagara Falls<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.latfor.state.ny.us/maps/2012c/fc26.pdf | title = Congressional District 26 | last1 = W | first1 = Eric | date = April 2, 2012-04-02 | work = View 2012 Congressional Maps | publisher = The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment | location = [[Albany, New York]] | access-date = 2013-01-January 13, 2013}}</ref> || [[Brian2024 HigginsNew York's 26th congressional district special election|Vacant]] || Democratic<!--Insert Political Party When No Longer Vacant--> || 2013 <!--INSERT 2024 When No Longer Vacant--> || [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo, Erie County]]

| Congressman || [[New York's 27th congressional district]] || All points not in 26th<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.latfor.state.ny.us/maps/2012c/fc27.pdf | title = Congressional District 27 | last1 = W | first1 = Eric | date = April 2, 2012-04-02 | work = View 2012 Congressional Maps | publisher = The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment | location = [[Albany, New York]] | access-date = 2013-01-January 13, 2013}}</ref> || [[Chris Jacobs (politician)|Chris Jacobs]] || Republican || 2020 || [[Orchard Park (town), New York|Orchard Park, Erie County]]

| State Senator || [[New York's 62nd State Senate district|62nd State Senate District]] || All<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.latfor.state.ny.us/maps/2012s/fs62.pdf | title = Senate District 62 | last1 = W | first1 = Eric | date = March 2, 2012-03-02 | work = View 2012 Senate District Maps | publisher = The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment | location = [[Albany, New York]] | access-date = January 6, 2013-01-06}}</ref> || [[Robert G. Ortt]] || Republican || 2015 || [[Newfane, New York|Newfane, Niagara County]]

| State Assemblyman || [[New York State Assembly|140th State Assembly District]] || North Tonawanda<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.latfor.state.ny.us/maps/prop2012a/pa140.pdf | title = Assembly District 140 | last1 = W | first1 = Eric | date = 2012-01-January 25, 2012 | work = View Proposed 2012 Assembly District Maps | publisher = The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment | location = [[Albany, New York]] | access-date = 2013-01-January 16, 2013}}</ref> || [[Robin Schimminger|RobinWilliam L.Conrad SchimmingerIII]] || Democratic || 19772020 || [[Kenmore, New York|Kenmore, Erie County]]

| State Assemblyman || [[New York State Assembly|144th State Assembly District]] || Roughly the north and east parts of the county (Towns of Hartland, Lockport, Newfane, Porter, Royalton, Somerset, Wilson)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.latfor.state.ny.us/maps/prop2012a/pa144.pdf | title = Assembly District 144 | last1 = W | first1 = Eric | date = 2012-01-January 25, 2012 | work = View Proposed 2012 Assembly District Maps | publisher = The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment | location = [[Albany, New York]] | access-date = 2013-01-January 16, 2013}}</ref> || [[Michael Norris (politician)|Michael Norris]] || Republican || 2017 || [[Lockport, New York|Lockport, Niagara County]]

| State Assemblyman || [[New York State Assembly|145th State Assembly District]] || Roughly the west part of the county (Towns of Cambria, Lewiston, Niagara, Wheatfield, City of Niagara Falls, Tuscarora Reservation)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.latfor.state.ny.us/maps/prop2012a/pa145.pdf | title = Assembly District 145 | last1 = W | first1 = Eric | date = 2012-01-January 25, 2012 | work = View Proposed 2012 Assembly District Maps | publisher = The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment | location = [[Albany, New York]] | access-date = 2013-01-January 16, 2013}}</ref> || [[Angelo Morinello]] || Republican || 2017 || [[Niagara Falls, New York|Niagara Falls, Niagara County]]

|- {{party shading/RepublicanDemocratic}}

| State Assemblyman || [[New York State Assembly|146th State Assembly District]] || Pendleton<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.latfor.state.ny.us/maps/prop2012a/pa146.pdf | title = Assembly District 146 | last1 = W | first1 = Eric | date = 2012-01-January 25, 2012 | work = View Proposed 2012 Assembly District Maps | publisher = The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment | location = [[Albany, New York]] | access-date = January 16, 2013-01-16}}</ref> || [[RaymondKaren Walter|Raymond W. WalterMcMahon]] || RepublicanDemocratic || 20132018 || [[East Amherst, New York|East Amherst, Erie County]]

As of the [[census]] of 2010, there were 216,469 people, 87,846 households, and 58,593 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|420 people per square mile (162|PD/km<sup>2<sqmi|PD/sup>)km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 95,715 housing units at an average density of {{convert|183 per square|/mi2|/km2|adj=pre|units&nbsp;mile (71/km²)}}. The racial makeup of the county was 90.70% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 6.15% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.94% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.58% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.02% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.40% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.21% from two or more races. 1.33% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 23.6% were of [[Germans|German]], 18.1% [[Italian people|Italian]], 11.3% [[Irish people|Irish]], 11.2% [[Polish people|Polish]] and 8.3% [[English people|English]] ancestry. 94.5% spoke [[English language|English]], 1.6% [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and 1.0% [[Italian language|Italian]] as their first language.

* [[Nashville, Niagara County, New York|Nashville]]