Hornell, New York

Named after the early settler George Hornell Jr., Hornell is a city in the US State of New York. This small city features several historical attractions, such as the Hornell Erie Depot Museum, which showcases the city's prominent railroad past. Despite struggling to reattain the prosperity of its glory days during the railroad period, Hornell remains a notable destination for those wishing to explore the city's unique railroad history.

Geography Of Hornell

Hornell is a small city situated in Steuben County within the US State of New York. The city is located on Steuben County's western edge and is within two hours of most of western, central, and southern New York's major cities. Moreover, the city is situated approximately 89km south of the City of Rochester and is surrounded by the Town of Hornellsville. Hornell lies at the foothills of the Allegheny Mountain Range and on the Canisteo River. In terms of its geographic coordinates, Hornell is located at 42.3278°N and 77.6611°W. Moreover, the city is situated at an altitude of 354m above sea level and covers a total area of 7.0 sq. km, all of which is occupied by land.

Climate Of Hornell

Hornell's climate features winters that are significantly cold and cloudy as well as summers that are warm and typically cloudy. Lasting from December 2 to March 11 is Hornell's 3.3-month cold season, which records an average daily temperature below 4.4°C. January is the year's coldest month since it records an average high of -0.5°C and an average low of -7.7°C. On the other hand, lasting from May 24 to September 18 is the city's 3.8-month warm season. With the season's average daily high temperature being 20.5°C, it contains the year's hottest month of July that records an average high of 25.5°C and an average low of 15.5°C. As for the city's 6.9-month wet season, which occurs from April 1 to October 30, there is a 28% chance of any day being a wet day. As such, Hornell receives an average rainfall of 36 inches annually. Based on several tourism scores, late June to early September serves as the best time of year to visit the City of Hornell.

Brief History Of Hornell

Hornell's history stretches back to when the city was first created 232 years ago, in 1789. Upon its first settlement in 1790 by the family of Benjamin Crosby, the city was referred to as "Upper Canisteo" to distinguish it from the larger community of Canisteo. In 1820, the city became incorporated into the larger town of "Hornellsville," which was named after the town's first gristmill builder, George Hornell Jr. It then became known in 1852 as the "Village of Hornellsville" before it was then chartered as the City of Hornellsville in 1888. In 1906, the city officially changed its name to "Hornell."

Hornell had a total of four rail lines throughout its railroad history. These rail lines experienced many changes throughout their years, ranging from the companies operating the railroads to their routes and names. Among these were the New York and Erie Railroad, commonly referred to as the "Erie Railroad," which is the most prominent of Hornell's railroads given its connection to New York City. This railroad began public service in 1851 after it arrived in 1850. Given Hornell's location at the center of the Erie Railroad, the city served as a favorable location for its repair yards. As such, Hornell experienced significant growth and prosperity throughout the 1860-1960 railroad period, as its steam engine shop would conduct repairs for almost the entire Erie Railroad line. However, as the passenger service was ended in 1959 due to its severe decline, the city has been experiencing notable declines and has struggled to attain its former prosperity.

Population And Economy Of Hornell

As per the most recent US Census, the City of Hornell recorded a total population of 8,263 people. Hornell has witnessed a significant population decline from its high of 16,300 individuals in the 1930s. The city's population continues to get smaller annually, with a decline rate of -0.67%. Since the previous US Census, which recorded a total population of 8,563 individuals in 2010, the city has witnessed an overall decrease of -4.97%. In terms of the population's ethnic demographics, it is predominantly White at 93.08%, followed by Asians at 1.92%, Black or African Americans at 1.58%, other ethnic populations at 0.83%, and two or more races at 2.58%. The population is split equally in terms of sex, with the most recent Census recording a female population of 50.0%. Moreover, the population has an average age of 37.5 years, with an average of 38.5 years for females and 35.9 for males.

Hornell currently has an average annual household income of $50,676 and features a poverty rate of 15.2%. Hornell's economy employs approximately 3,300 individuals, with its largest industries being manufacturing, retail trade, and health care and social assistance, respectively. When it comes to the city's highest paying industries are utilities at an average of $75,714, transportation, warehousing, and utilities at an average of $63,875, and transportation and warehousing at an average of $62,875. The city has a median monthly rental cost of $667 and a median house value of $67,500.

Tourist Attractions In Hornell

Hornell Erie Depot Museum

The Hornell Erie Depot Museum preserves the history and mementos of the Hornell area's population by displaying more than 700 artifacts to visitors through fascinating displays. These include an array of photographs and memorabilia of the Erie Railroad, which linked significant metropolitan areas to the rest of the state of New York. First opened in March of 2006, the museum seeks to further educate guests on the Hornell area's railroad industry and the history of the people and industries that formed the Hornell community's core backbone.

Veterans Memorial Park

First constructed in 1974, Veterans Memorial Park offers the city's residents with several recreational opportunities. This community asset features scenic sights and a variety of sports courts. In fact, Hornell accepted a grant of approximately half a million USD in early 2022 towards renovating and upgrading the park. These include upgrades to existing courts as well as the addition of new basketball courts, tennis courts, and a splash pad at the community pool.