Town of Union

Town of Union
Name	Town of Union
Settlement type	Town
Pushpin label	Town of Union
Coordinates	42, 15, 15, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New York
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Broome County
Established title	Settled
Established date	c. 1788
Established title1	Established
Established date1	1791
Government type	Town Council
Leader title	Supervisor
Leader name	Lisa M. DeForest (R)
Leader title1	Town Council
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total km2	140.0
Area total sq mi	54.1
Area land km2	139.5
Area land sq mi	53.9
Area water km2	0.5
Area water sq mi	0.2
Elevation m	265
Elevation ft	869
Population total	56032
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	EST
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Postal code type	ZIP Codes
Postal code	13760, 13901, 13903, 13905
Area code	607
Website	www.townofunion.com

Town of Union is a populous town located in Broome County, New York, United States. It is a major suburban component of the Binghamton metropolitan area, surrounding the city of Binghamton on its northern, western, and southern sides. The town is a significant commercial and residential hub, home to Binghamton University and several major corporate facilities, contributing to its diverse economy and community.

History

The region was part of the Central New York Military Tract, with early settlement beginning around 1788 following the American Revolutionary War. The town was officially formed in 1791 from the original Town of Tioga, predating the establishment of Broome County itself. Its development was heavily influenced by transportation, first via the Chenango Canal and later by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad and the Erie Railroad, which spurred industrial growth. The town was a significant site for the Endicott Johnson Corporation, a major shoe manufacturer, and later became a center for the IBM corporation, with facilities that were pivotal to the region's Tech Valley identity.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 54.1 square miles, of which 53.9 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water. It is situated within the Susquehanna River valley, with the river itself forming part of its eastern border. Major waterways include the Chenango River and Nanticoke Creek. The town's geography is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, and it completely encircles the city of Binghamton except to the east. Neighboring towns include Vestal to the west and Maine to the north.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 56,032, making it the most populous town in New York state outside of Long Island. The population density was approximately 1,040 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with significant communities identifying as Asian and Hispanic or Latino. The presence of Binghamton University, part of the State University of New York system, contributes a substantial student population and influences the town's age demographics and educational attainment levels.

Government

The town operates under a Town Council form of government, led by an elected Town Supervisor and four council members. The current supervisor is Lisa M. DeForest. The town provides a full range of municipal services, including its own police department, the Broome County Sheriff providing additional support. It is part of New York's 22nd congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Marc Molinaro, and in the New York State Senate by Fred Akshar.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the Town of Union include Rod Serling, creator of The Twilight Zone, who taught at Binghamton University; John D. Rockefeller, who had early business dealings in the area; and Thomas J. Watson, who oversaw the expansion of IBM operations there. Sports figures include NFL player Willie Parker and Major League Baseball pitcher Jeff Karstens. Academic and literary figures include poet Lillian Morrison and historian John Hope Franklin, who served on the faculty at Binghamton University.

Economy

The economy has historically been anchored by manufacturing, notably the Endicott Johnson Corporation and IBM, whose former campus is now a multi-tenant technology park. Binghamton University is a major employer and economic driver, with its Incubator fostering innovation. Healthcare is represented by United Health Services Hospitals, and retail is concentrated in corridors like the Vestal Parkway. The town is also home to corporate facilities for Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, maintaining a strong presence in aerospace and defense.

Category:Towns in New York (state) Category:Towns in Broome County, New York Category:1791 establishments in New York (state)