Broome County, New York

Ansco Company Charles Street Factory Buildings Bennett, Abel, Tract Historic District Bevier-Wright House Binghamton City Hall Binghamton Railway Company Complex Binghamton Theatre Broome County Courthouse Building at 171-177 Clinton Street Bundy, Harlow E., House Chenango Canal Prism and Lock 107 Christ Church Conklin Town Hall Court Street Historic District Drovers Inn and Round Family Residence Dunk, Alfred, House Emmanuel Church of the Evangelical Association of Binghamton Endicott Square Deal Arch Endicott-Johnson Medical Clinic First Presbyterian Church of Deposit Gates, Cyrus, Farmstead General Cigar Company-Ansco Camera Factory Building Goodwill Theatre Grace Episcopal Church Harpursville United Methodist Church Hawleyton Methodist Episcopal Church, Old Highland Park Carousel Hotchkiss, Jedediah, House Johnson City Historic District Johnson City Square Deal Arch Johnson, C. Fred, Park Carousel Johnson, George F., Recreation Park Carousel Johnson, George W., Park Carousel Jones, Gen. Edward F., House Kilmer, Jonas M., House Lithuanian National Association Hall Maine Central School Marlborough Building New York State Inebriate Asylum Ouaquaga Lenticular Truss Bridge Patterson-Hooper Family Cemetery Phelps Mansion Railroad Terminal Historic District Riverside Cemetery Roberson Mansion Rose, Robert H., House Ross Park Carousel Saints Cyril and Methodius Slovak Roman Catholic School South Washington Street Parabolic Bridge State Street-Henry Street Historic District Stone Spillway, National Defense Stockpile Center Trinity Memorial Church United States Post Office and Courthouse US Post Office-Endicott US Post Office-Johnson City Vestal Central School Washingtonian Hall Wells, J. Stuart, House West Endicott Hose Company No. 1 West Endicott Park Carousel Whitmore, John T., House Whitney, Henry, House Windsor Village Historic District Your Home Library

Broome County, NY, located in the southern tier of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by the indigenous Iroquois people, including the Susquehannock and Mohawk tribes. European explorers, including Henry Hudson and Samuel Harpended, began to arrive in the region in the early 17th century.

In 1806, Broome County was officially established and named after John Broome, who was then the lieutenant governor of New York. The county experienced rapid growth and development in the 19th century, thanks to the expansion of the Erie Canal, which connected the area to the Great Lakes and fueled economic prosperity. The county became a hub for transportation and industry, attracting entrepreneurs and immigrants.

During the American Civil War, Broome County contributed troops to the Union Army and played a role in the Underground Railroad, assisting enslaved individuals in their journey to freedom in Canada. After the war, the county continued to thrive, with the growth of manufacturing, agriculture, and education.

In the 20th century, Broome County faced its share of challenges. The Great Depression hit the area hard, leading to unemployment and economic hardship. However, the county rebounded during World War II, as local factories shifted production to support the war effort. The county also became known for its aviation industry, with companies like Link Aviation and Universal Instruments making a significant impact.

Today, Broome County is a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of urban and rural landscapes. The area is home to Binghamton University, which has become a leading educational institution, as well as numerous cultural and recreational attractions. Broome County retains its role as a transportation hub, with an airport, highways, and railway routes connecting it to the rest of New York State and beyond.
Brief timeline of the history of Broome County, New York:

  • 1779 - Broome County is settled by European Americans after the Sullivan Expedition.
  • 1806 - Broome County is formed from parts of Tioga and Ulster counties.
  • 1812 - The Chenango Canal is completed, connecting the Susquehanna River to the Erie Canal.
  • 1848 - The Binghamton Railroad is constructed, linking the county to the rest of New York.
  • 1880 - Binghamton becomes a center for the cigar-making industry.
  • 1913 - The Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, known as the "Dome," is built in Binghamton.
  • 1947 - Endicott Johnson, a major shoe manufacturing company, closes its last factory in Binghamton.
  • 1970 - IBM opens a large plant in the Town of Union, becoming a major employer in the county.
  • 2006 - Binghamton University, part of the State University of New York system, expands with new facilities.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Broome County, New York.