Manchester (town), New York

Manchester (town), New York is a town located in the northern part of Ontario County in the U.S. state of New York. The population was 9,366 at the 2020 census. The town is situated within the Finger Lakes region and contains a portion of the village of Manchester.

History

The area was part of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase following the American Revolutionary War, with initial settlement by European Americans occurring around 1789. The town was formed in 1822 from part of the neighboring town of Farmington. Early development was heavily influenced by agriculture and the construction of the Erie Canal, which runs along the town's northern border, facilitating trade and growth. The New York Central Railroad later provided additional transportation links, supporting local industries. Historically, the town was also a site for several Oneida and Seneca settlements prior to European colonization.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.5 square miles, of which 35.4 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water. The northern border is defined by the Erie Canal and the New York State Thruway. The terrain is characterized by the rolling hills typical of the Finger Lakes region. Major waterways include the Canadice Lake outlet and several creeks that feed into the Genesee River watershed. The town is adjacent to the Town of Farmington and the Town of Phelps.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 9,366 people residing in the town. The population density was approximately 265 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income was slightly above the state average, with key employment sectors including manufacturing, health care, and retail trade. A significant portion of the workforce commutes to nearby Rochester and Canandaigua.

Government and infrastructure

The town operates under a Town council form of government, led by an elected Town Supervisor and four Councilpersons. It provides standard municipal services including a Department of Public Works, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals. Key infrastructure includes the Manchester-Shortsville Central School District, the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, and the Red Jacket Community Library. The town is served by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office and maintains several parks and recreational facilities. Major transportation routes include New York State Route 21 and New York State Route 96.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the area include John H. Martindale, a Union Army Brigadier General and former Attorney General of New York. James S. Sherman, the 27th Vice President of the United States under William Howard Taft, was born in nearby Utica but maintained political connections throughout the region. Contemporary figures include several alumni of the Red Jacket High School who have gained recognition in athletics and academia.

Category:Towns in New York (state) Category:Towns in Ontario County, New York Category:Populated places established in 1822 Category:1822 establishments in New York (state)