Cayuga County, New York

Cayuga County, New York
County	Cayuga County
State	New York
Founded	1799
Seat	Auburn
Largest city	Auburn
Area total sq mi	864
Area land sq mi	799
Area water sq mi	65
Population as of	2020
Population total	76492
Population density sq mi	96

Cayuga County, New York is a county located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, bordered by Lake Ontario to the north, Oswego County to the northeast, Onondaga County to the east, Cortland County to the southeast, Tompkins County to the south, and Seneca County to the west. The county seat is Auburn, which is also the largest city in the county and home to the Auburn Correctional Facility, Auburn Public Theater, and Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival. Cayuga County is part of the Syracuse-Auburn Combined Statistical Area and is near the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Howland Island, and Fair Haven State Park. The county is also close to the New York State Thruway, U.S. Route 20, and Interstate 90.

History

The area that is now Cayuga County was originally inhabited by the Iroquois Confederacy, specifically the Cayuga Nation, and was visited by French explorers such as Étienne Brûlé and Samuel de Champlain. The county was formed in 1799 from part of Onondaga County and was named after the Cayuga Nation. During the American Revolution, the area was a key location for the Sullivan Expedition, which was led by John Sullivan and James Clinton. The county was also home to the Auburn Theological Seminary, which was founded in 1818 and was attended by notable figures such as Henry Ward Beecher and Charles Grandison Finney. Other notable residents of the county include William Seward, Harriet Tubman, and Millard Fillmore, who all played important roles in the Underground Railroad and the Abolitionist movement.

Geography

Cayuga County is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and is bordered by Lake Ontario to the north, Oswego County to the northeast, Onondaga County to the east, Cortland County to the southeast, Tompkins County to the south, and Seneca County to the west. The county has a total area of 864 square miles and a population density of 96 people per square mile. The county seat is Auburn, which is located in the central part of the county and is home to the Auburn Correctional Facility, Auburn Public Theater, and Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival. The county is also home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Howland Island, and Fair Haven State Park. Other nearby cities and towns include Syracuse, Rochester, Ithaca, and Geneva.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Cayuga County was 76,492 people, with a population density of 96 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of European Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. The median household income in the county is $54,493, and the median family income is $64,341. The per capita income in the county is $25,364. The county is also home to several institutions of higher education, including Wells College, Cayuga Community College, and the Auburn Correctional Facility's Correctional Facility Education Program. Other nearby institutions include Syracuse University, Cornell University, and the University of Rochester.

Government and politics

Cayuga County is governed by a Board of Supervisors, which is composed of representatives from each of the county's towns and cities. The county is also part of the Syracuse-Auburn Combined Statistical Area and is represented in the New York State Legislature by Senator John DeFrancisco and Assemblyman Gary Finch. The county is also home to several government agencies, including the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office, the Auburn Police Department, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Other nearby government agencies include the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, the Syracuse Police Department, and the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.

Economy

The economy of Cayuga County is diverse, with a mix of manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The county is home to several major employers, including the Auburn Correctional Facility, Wells College, and the Cayuga County Government. The county is also a major producer of dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, and is home to several wineries and breweries, including the Swedish Hill Winery and the Auburn Ale House. Other nearby employers include Syracuse University, Lockheed Martin, and the Destiny USA shopping mall. The county is also close to several major transportation routes, including the New York State Thruway, U.S. Route 20, and Interstate 90.

Education

Cayuga County is home to several institutions of higher education, including Wells College, Cayuga Community College, and the Auburn Correctional Facility's Correctional Facility Education Program. The county is also served by several school districts, including the Auburn City School District, the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, and the Weedsport Central School District. Other nearby institutions include Syracuse University, Cornell University, and the University of Rochester. The county is also home to several libraries, including the Auburn Public Library and the Cayuga County Library System. The county is also close to several major research institutions, including the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Syracuse University College of Law.

Communities

Cayuga County is composed of several towns, cities, and villages, including Auburn, Weedsport, Cato, and Fair Haven. The county is also home to several hamlets and census-designated places, including Port Byron and Meridian. Other nearby cities and towns include Syracuse, Rochester, Ithaca, and Geneva. The county is also close to several major attractions, including the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Howland Island, and Fair Haven State Park. The county is also home to several festivals and events, including the Auburn Festival, the Cayuga County Fair, and the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival.