Chemung County Lawyers, Finger Lakes Region, Elmira, Mark Twain Country, Horseheads, NY

Chemung County, New York, found in the Finger Lakes Region, is rich in local history and modern commerce. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Southern Tier of New York, Chemung County borders Pennsylvania to its south. Census 2000 reported a population of just over 91,000, spread over roughly 400 square miles. Twenty villages and towns comprise Chemung County, and the city of Elmira serves as the county seat.

Known as ‘Mark Twain Country’, Chemung County was the summer home of the famous author for more than twenty years. It provided the landscape for some of his most revered novels. He rests today in Elmira’s Woodlawn Cemetery.

Chemung is a Delaware Indian word meaning “Place of the Big Horn”. The original Native Americans found mammoth tusks along the Chemung River. In 1784, the westward migration of settlers reached the area. During the Civil War years, the county played a pivotal role, with Elmira being a stop along the Underground Railroad. County residents hid escaping slaves in churches. Known then as Newtown, Elmira was also the site of a Civil War Prison Camp for Confederate soldiers, holding nearly 12,000 men during its existence. Both Revolutionary and Civil War reenactments are held each year at the Newtown Battlefield Reservation. The Chemung Valley History Museum carefully preserves the abundant relics of the County’s colorful past.

Chemung County has retained its quaint and friendly hometown atmosphere, while stepping proudly forth as New York's southern focal point for the modern business community. Its location as the ‘Gateway to the Finger Lakes’ draws tourists year round, while the city of Elmira is a strong manufacturing and industrial center. The Southern Tier’s Technology Triangle encompasses much of Chemung County, with Elmira located in its center. Situated less than two hundred miles from New York City, Pittsburgh and Toronto, Chemung County firms discover quick access to national and international ports. The Elmira Empire Zone, created by a combination of county and state incentives, attracts new industry to Chemung County.

The town of Horseheads hosts the annual Chemung County Fair, where area residents delight in the James E. Strates Carnival Rides. The fairgrounds are the site of numerous horse shows, with a quarter mile racetrack and an indoor arena. Horseheads, NY is also the locale of Harris Hill, providing one of the most scenic views of the Finger Lakes Region. It is home to the Harris Hill Soaring Center, which launches gliders and sailplanes over the County. Many world soaring championships are held here, and the National Soaring Museum in Elmira commemorates the sport.

Park Station, found in the town of Erin, presents year-round natural beauty for Chemung County residents. The 100-acre lake offers canoeing and fishing, and a beautiful white sand beach awaits swimmers. Campers enjoy the 500-acres of woodlands and cross-country skiers utilize the trails throughout winter. The Elmira Jackals are the county’s own pro hockey team, and the Dunn Field Municipal Stadium hosts the Elmira Pioneers, a minor league baseball team.

Other towns in Chemung County, NY are Southport, Ashland, Catlin, Veteran and Chemung, all found within the Elmira Metropolitan Area. Residents are offered the finest in education through Elmira College. Five different historic districts grace the area, including some of the finest Victorian residential neighborhoods found in Elmira.

Steeped in vibrant history and positioned for a prosperous future, Chemung County remains a unique mixture of old and new.

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