Gainesville, New York

Gainesville, New York. Gainesville is a town in the northwestern corner of Wyoming County, part of the Western New York region. Settled in the early 19th century, it is a primarily agricultural community known for its rural character and proximity to Letchworth State Park. The town's history is closely tied to the development of the Genesee River valley and the expansion of the Erie Railroad.

History

The area was part of the Holland Land Purchase, with initial settlement occurring around 1808 by pioneers from New England and eastern New York. The town was officially formed from part of the Town of Orangeville in 1814 and named for General Edmund P. Gaines, a hero of the War of 1812. Early industry included sawmills and gristmills powered by local creeks like Beards Creek. The arrival of the Erie Railroad in the 1850s spurred growth, connecting local farms to markets in Rochester and Buffalo. The community of Gainesville village was incorporated in 1834 but later dissolved. Historically, the town was a station on the Underground Railroad, with several residents active in the abolitionist movement.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.9 square miles, nearly all of which is land. It is bordered by Genesee County to the north and Livingston County to the east. The terrain is part of the Allegheny Plateau, featuring rolling hills and fertile valleys used for agriculture. The northern town line is formed by the Tonawanda Creek, a major tributary of the Niagara River. Key waterways within the town include Beards Creek and the headwaters of the Oatka Creek. The town is situated just south of the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90), providing major transportation access.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 2,343. The population density was approximately 65 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, and Asian residents. The median household income was slightly below the average for New York State, reflecting its rural economic base. A significant portion of the housing stock consists of single-family homes, and the town has a higher percentage of residents over the age of 65 compared to national averages, a common trend in many Western New York agricultural communities.

Notable people

* John R. Barricklo, a United States Navy sailor awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Spanish–American War aboard the USS *Nashville*. * William H. Cuddeback, a New York State Senator and Assemblyman who represented the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. * John H. Starin, a prominent 19th-century businessman, U.S. Congressman, and founder of Starin's Glen Island amusement park in New Rochelle.

Category:Towns in New York (state) Category:Towns in Wyoming County, New York Category:Populated places established in 1814 Category:1814 establishments in New York (state)