Cities and Towns in Schuyler County, New York

Founded in 1854, Schuyler County is one of 62 counties in the state of New York. Historically, Schuyler County was formed from Chemung County, Steuben County, and Tompkins County. The city of Watkins Glen is the county seat. With FIPS code of 97, Schuyler County has a population of 17,752 and area of 342 square miles (886 km²).

List of all cities in Schuyler County, NY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Alpine, NY	14805	607
Beaver Dams, NY	14812	607
Bradford, NY	14815	607
Burdett, NY	14818	607
Cayuta, NY	14824	607
Hector, NY	14841	607
Mecklenburg, NY	14863	607
Montour Falls, NY	14865	607
Odessa, NY	14869	607
Reading Center, NY	14876	607
Rock Stream, NY	14878	607
Tyrone, NY	14887	607
Valois, NY	14841	607
Watkins Glen, NY	14891	607
Wayne, NY	14893	607

Major Cities and Towns in Schuyler County, New York

Watkins Glen

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.7 square miles
• Population: 1,800 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 14891
• Latitude: 42.3792° N
• Longitude: 76.8742° W

Location and History

Watkins Glen is located in the western part of Schuyler County, at the southern tip of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region. Originally settled in the late 18th century, Watkins Glen developed as a small village centered around the Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. The area became a popular destination for tourism in the 19th century, particularly known for its stunning gorge, waterfalls, and scenic beauty. The town’s history is closely tied to the rise of tourism in the Finger Lakes, with the creation of the Watkins Glen State Park in the 1860s, which features an iconic gorge trail with 19 waterfalls. Watkins Glen also gained national recognition as a motorsports hub, with the creation of the Watkins Glen International Raceway in the 1950s, attracting racing fans from around the world. The town grew into a popular summer destination, with many visitors coming to experience the area’s natural beauty, outdoor activities, and motorsport events. Today, Watkins Glen continues to be a vibrant community with a focus on tourism, agriculture, and recreation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Watkins Glen is served by the Watkins Glen Central School District, which includes Watkins Glen High School and several other schools within the district. The town is home to the Watkins Glen Public Library and several cultural organizations, such as the Finger Lakes Boating Museum. Major landmarks in the town include Watkins Glen State Park, famous for its stunning gorge trail, which winds through the park and features numerous waterfalls. Watkins Glen International is a renowned motorsports venue, hosting major events like the NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar races, bringing thousands of visitors annually. The Seneca Harbor Park offers a picturesque waterfront with boat docks, picnic areas, and scenic views of Seneca Lake. The Glen Theatre is a local venue for live performances and films, while the Watkins Glen Village Square offers charming shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. Watkins Glen is also famous for its annual Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival, a celebration of vintage cars, attracting motorsport enthusiasts from across the country.

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Montour Falls

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.4 square miles
• Population: 1,500 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 14865
• Latitude: 42.2329° N
• Longitude: 76.8606° W

Location and History

Montour Falls is located in the southern part of Schuyler County, near the western shore of Seneca Lake. The village was initially settled in the early 19th century and was named for Montour Falls, a dramatic waterfall located near the center of town. The area’s natural beauty and proximity to the lake made it an attractive location for early settlers, particularly during the Erie Canal expansion in the 19th century. Montour Falls became an important stop for travelers on the canal and later developed into a key agricultural and industrial community. The village was incorporated in 1857 and quickly grew due to its location along major transportation routes. The town is especially known for Shequaga Falls, a stunning 156-foot waterfall that plunges directly into the village center. Over time, Montour Falls became a popular tourist destination, and its natural landscape and proximity to Watkins Glen helped attract visitors from all over the country. Today, Montour Falls continues to embrace its history as a hub for local industry and tourism, with a focus on agriculture, local commerce, and outdoor recreation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Montour Falls is served by the Watkins Glen Central School District, which includes Watkins Glen High School and various elementary and middle schools that serve the surrounding region. The village is also home to the Schuyler County Library and several local arts organizations. Shequaga Falls, also known as Montour Falls, is one of the main attractions in the village, with a scenic waterfall that cascades into a pool below, accessible to visitors year-round. The Montour Falls Historic District features a collection of well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including the Montour Falls Village Hall and several former canal-related structures. The Old Geneva Road is a historic site in Montour Falls, known for its role in the region’s early development. Montour Falls is also home to the Clute Park, which offers a variety of outdoor activities, including sports fields, a swimming pool, and a boat launch for access to Seneca Lake. The Montour Falls Library, located in a historic building, serves as a cultural hub and hosts educational and community events. Montour Falls also celebrates Grape Fest and other community events annually, making it a lively and engaging village.

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Odessa

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.2 square miles
• Population: 600 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 14869
• Latitude: 42.2574° N
• Longitude: 76.8269° W

Location and History

Odessa is a small village located in the northeastern part of Schuyler County, nestled between Seneca Lake and the hills of the Finger Lakes region. The village was settled in the early 19th century and was originally called Hubbell’s Corners before being renamed Odessa in 1855. The name was inspired by the city of Odessa in Ukraine, reflecting the town’s aspiration to be a center of trade and commerce. The village’s development was fueled by agriculture, particularly dairy farming, and its proximity to the Erie Canal helped facilitate trade and growth during the 19th century. Odessa remained a quiet rural community for much of the 20th century, with local farms and small businesses forming the backbone of its economy. Today, Odessa retains its rural charm and serves as a quiet, residential village with a strong sense of community. Though small, it continues to be an important part of Schuyler County’s agricultural landscape.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Odessa is served by the Odessa-Montour Central School District, which includes Odessa-Montour High School and several elementary and middle schools. The village also benefits from its proximity to educational institutions in Watkins Glen and Ithaca. Odessa has several historic landmarks, including the Odessa Historical Society Museum, which preserves the village’s early history, particularly its agricultural roots and role in the development of the local area. The Odessa-Montour Central School District Sports Complex is a prominent feature in the village, offering facilities for community events, sports games, and recreational activities. Vineyard View Winery, located nearby, is a local landmark for visitors and wine enthusiasts. Blackman’s Island is also a unique geographical feature just outside of Odessa, adding to the town’s scenic beauty. The village is an active participant in regional events like the Schuyler County Fair, where locals celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage with rides, games, and local crafts. Despite its small size, Odessa offers a tight-knit community atmosphere and a place to enjoy a peaceful rural lifestyle.

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Hector

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 58.7 square miles
• Population: 3,000 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 14841
• Latitude: 42.3913° N
• Longitude: 76.7411° W

Location and History

Hector is a town located in the western part of Schuyler County, along the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. The town was originally settled in the early 19th century, and its name is thought to be derived from Hector, a Greek hero from Homer’s Iliad. Hector’s location along the lake and its fertile soil made it an attractive place for farming and agriculture. The town’s development was significantly influenced by the construction of the Erie Canal, which passed through nearby areas and provided access to regional trade and transportation. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Hector was known for its agricultural production, particularly vineyards and orchards, as well as its manufacturing base. Today, Hector is known for its rural charm, large agricultural sector, and as part of the Finger Lakes Wine Country, with several wineries along its scenic shores. The town has a growing tourism industry, with outdoor recreation opportunities such as boating, hiking, and wine tours attracting visitors to the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hector is served by the Hector School District, which includes Hector Elementary School. The town is also located near Watkins Glen and other regional educational institutions. Hector’s landmarks include Seneca Lake, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic views. The Finger Lakes Wine Trail, which passes through Hector, is a major attraction for tourists, with several vineyards offering tastings and events. The Hector Falls, located on the southern edge of town, is a stunning waterfall that cascades down into the lake, offering picturesque views for visitors. The Watkins Glen State Park, just a short drive away, provides hiking trails and waterfalls, while the Hector Fire Department and local community organizations help provide services and events for residents. Additionally, Hector hosts a variety of annual festivals, such as Grape Fest, celebrating the region’s winemaking culture. The town also has a variety of bed-and-breakfast accommodations, making it a popular destination for weekend getaways.