Owego, New York

Owego, New York
Andre Carrotflower · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Owego, New York
Settlement type	Town
Coordinates	42°06′16″N 76°15′48″W
Subdivision name	United States of America
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New York
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Tioga
Government type	Town
Leader title	Supervisor
Leader name	Donald Castellucci
Area total km2	273.3
Area total sq mi	105.5
Elevation m	246
Population total	19841
Population as of	2020
Timezone	Eastern Time Zone
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4

Owego, New York is a town located in Tioga County, within the Southern Tier region of New York, near the Pennsylvania border, and is situated near the Susquehanna River, which forms the border between New York and Pennsylvania. The town is home to the Village of Owego, which is the county seat of Tioga County, and is located near the cities of Binghamton and Ithaca. Owego is also close to the Finger Lakes region, which includes Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, and Keuka Lake, and is near the Watkins Glen State Park and the National Soaring Museum.

Geography

The town of Owego is situated in the southern part of Tioga County, near the Susquehanna River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay and is a major tributary of the Atlantic Ocean. The town is bordered by the towns of Barton and Tioga to the north, Candor to the east, and the Pennsylvania townships of Rome and Ulster to the south. Owego is located near the Finger Lakes National Forest and the Catherine Creek Wildlife Management Area, and is close to the cities of Elmira and Corning, which are situated near the Chemung River and Steuben County. The town is also near the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport and the Greater Binghamton Airport, which provide access to major cities like New York City and Philadelphia.

History

The area that is now Owego was originally inhabited by the Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful Native American tribe that played a significant role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. The town was settled in the late 18th century by European-Americans, who were attracted by the area's natural resources and strategic location near the Susquehanna River. Owego was officially incorporated in 1800 and became the county seat of Tioga County in 1791, replacing the town of Newark Valley. The town played a significant role in the American Civil War, with many of its residents serving in the Union Army and fighting in battles like the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Antietam. Owego is also close to the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, which commemorates the Seneca Falls Convention and the women's suffrage movement in the United States.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the town of Owego had a population of 19,841, with a median age of 42.4 years and a median household income of $63,419. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of European-American, African American, Asian American, and Hispanic or Latino residents. Owego is home to a number of census-designated places, including the Village of Owego and the hamlet of Apalachin, which is located near the Tioga County line. The town is also close to the cities of Syracuse and Rochester, which are major cultural and economic centers in New York.

Economy

The economy of Owego is diverse, with a mix of manufacturing, agriculture, and service industry jobs. The town is home to a number of major employers, including the Lockheed Martin corporation, which has a facility in Owego that produces aerospace and defense systems. Owego is also close to the Corning Incorporated headquarters in Corning, which is a major manufacturer of glass and ceramics products. The town has a strong tourism industry, with many visitors attracted to its natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural attractions, such as the Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown. Owego is also near the Watkins Glen International race track, which hosts a number of major auto racing events, including the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen.

Education

The town of Owego is served by the Owego-Apalachin Central School District, which operates a number of schools in the area, including the Owego Free Academy and the Apalachin Elementary School. The town is also close to a number of higher education institutions, including the Binghamton University and the Ithaca College, which offer a range of academic programs in fields like business, engineering, and the liberal arts. Owego is near the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, which is a major research university and a member of the Ivy League. The town is also close to the Tompkins Cortland Community College and the Broome Community College, which offer associate's degree programs and vocational training.

Transportation

The town of Owego is located near a number of major transportation routes, including Interstate 86 and New York State Route 17, which provide access to major cities like New York City and Buffalo. The town is also served by the Greater Binghamton Airport, which offers commercial airline service to destinations like LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Owego is close to the Norfolk Southern Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway, which provide freight rail service to the area. The town is also near the New York State Thruway, which connects New York City to Buffalo and other major cities in New York.