Grand Island, New York
Encyclopedia
Grand Island is a town
and an island
in Erie County
, New York
, USA
. As of the 2010 census
, the town population is 20,374. This represents an increase of 9.41% from the 2000 census figure . The current town name derives from the French name La Grande Île, as Grand Island is the largest island in the Niagara River
and fourth largest in the state. The phrase La Grande Île appears on the town seal.
Over the course of its history, the island has served as home to the Attawandaron
Nation, and been an acquisition of both French
and English colonial pursuits. In 1945, Grand Island was part of a plan to make a new World Peace Capital in Western New York
. The plan proposed placing the United Nations
headquarters on nearby Navy Island
, considered to be an ideal location as it lay on the boundary between two peaceful countries. An artist's rendering of the World Peace Capital (as seen in the George Seibel Niagara River Collection at the Niagara Falls Public Library in Niagara Falls, Ontario
) showed the property with bridges spanning both countries (at Grand Island in the US and the Canadian mainland on the other side).http://www.nfpl.library.on.ca/nfplindex/show.asp?id=95751&b=1 The proposal was ultimately turned down in favor of the current U.N. headquarters
in New York City
.
The present day Town of Grand Island is located at the northwestern corner of the state. The town is northwest of Buffalo
, New York
. Interstate 190
and New York State Route 324
cross the island.
explorers found members of the Neutral Nation
of Native Americans, also known as the Attawandaron, living on the island; by 1651, the nearby Seneca Nation had chased off or killed the Neutrals, having also absorbed some of the survivors. The Seneca used the island for hunting and fishing.
In 1764, as part of the Treaty of Cession after the French and Indian War
, the island became part of the British
colonies in North America
.
from the Iroquois
nation for $1,000 in hand, and annually, forever, a perpetuity of $500 (to this day, paid every June). The treaty was signed by Governor Daniel D. Tompkins
, Peter B. Porter, Chief Red Jacket
, Falling Boards, Twenty Canoes, Sharp Shins, Man Killer, and others. The Senecas reserved the right to hunt, fish and fowl on the islands.
In 1824, in a precursor to modern Zionism
, journalist and Utopian Mordecai Manuel Noah
tried to found a Jewish homeland at Grand Island in the Niagara River, to be called Ararat, after Mount Ararat
, the Biblical resting place of Noah's Ark. MacArthur Award-winning cartoonist Ben Katchor
fictionalized Noah's scheme for Grand Island in his The Jew of New York
.
The Town of Grand Island was organized in 1852 from part of the Town of Tonawanda
.
On August 25, 1993, the Seneca Nation
commenced an action to reclaim land that allegedly was taken from it without the approval of the United States
in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York
. The Senecas argued that the 1815 transaction with New York State violated the Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790, which stated that no Native American
lands were to be sold without consent of the Federal government. The Senecas sought the ejection of more than 2,000 property owners on the Island. By decision and order dated June 21, 2002, the trial court held that the subject lands were ceded to Great Britain
in the 1764 treaties of peace and that the subject lands were not owned by the Seneca
at the time of the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua
and that New York State's purchase of them in 1815 was intended to avoid conflict with the Senecas over land it already owned. This decision was appealed and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
affirmed the trial court's decision on September 9, 2004. The Senecas then sought review of this decision by the Supreme Court of the United States
, which was denied on June 5, 2006.
, the town has a total area of 33.3 square miles (86.2 km²), of which 28.5 square miles (73.8 km²) is land and 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²) (14.35%) is water.
The town is located entirely on the island of Grand Island in the Niagara River
. The river splits into two parts at the south end of the island and rejoins at the northwest end, before flowing west to the Niagara Falls
.
The town lies adjacent to the international border between Ontario
and the United States
. As there is no direct bridge or ferry connection from the island to Canada, there are no customs or immigration services available. Paired bridges connect the south end of the island to the Town of Tonawanda
, and another pair of bridges connects the northern end to the City of Niagara Falls
in Niagara County
. The two sets of bridges are connected by Interstate 190
, a branch of the New York State Thruway
(Interstate 90
). In addition, New York State Route 324
(Grand Island Boulevard) is conjoined with I-190 at the southern bridges and reaches its western terminus in the northern part of Grand Island.
of 2000, there were 18,621 people, 6,898 households, and 5,221 families residing in the town. The population density
was 653.1 people per square mile (252.2/km²). There were 7,355 housing units at an average density of 257.9 per square mile (99.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.80% White, 3.165% African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.17% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races
, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population.
There were 6,898 households out of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.8% were married couples
living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.3% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.7% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $60,432, and the median income for a family was $70,521. Males had a median income of $48,457 versus $30,157 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $25,816. About 2.4% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
and an island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
in Erie County
Erie County, New York
Erie County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 919,040. The county seat is Buffalo. The county's name comes from Lake Erie, which in turn comes from the Erie tribe of American Indians who lived south and east of the lake before 1654.Erie...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. As of the 2010 census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, the town population is 20,374. This represents an increase of 9.41% from the 2000 census figure . The current town name derives from the French name La Grande Île, as Grand Island is the largest island in the Niagara River
Niagara River
The Niagara River flows north from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. It forms part of the border between the Province of Ontario in Canada and New York State in the United States. There are differing theories as to the origin of the name of the river...
and fourth largest in the state. The phrase La Grande Île appears on the town seal.
Over the course of its history, the island has served as home to the Attawandaron
Neutral Nation
The Neutrals, also known as the Attawandaron, were an Iroquoian nation of North American native people who lived near the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.-Territory:...
Nation, and been an acquisition of both French
French colonization of the Americas
The French colonization of the Americas began in the 16th century, and continued in the following centuries as France established a colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere. France founded colonies in much of eastern North America, on a number of Caribbean islands, and in South America...
and English colonial pursuits. In 1945, Grand Island was part of a plan to make a new World Peace Capital in Western New York
Western New York
Western New York is the westernmost region of the state of New York. It includes the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls, the surrounding suburbs, as well as the outlying rural areas of the Great Lakes lowlands, the Genesee Valley, and the Southern Tier. Some historians, scholars and others...
. The plan proposed placing the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
headquarters on nearby Navy Island
Navy Island
Navy Island is a small island in the Niagara River in the province of Ontario, managed by Parks Canada as a National Historic Site of Canada. It is located about upstream from Horseshoe Falls, and has an area of roughly...
, considered to be an ideal location as it lay on the boundary between two peaceful countries. An artist's rendering of the World Peace Capital (as seen in the George Seibel Niagara River Collection at the Niagara Falls Public Library in Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls is a Canadian city on the Niagara River in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario. The municipality was incorporated on June 12, 1903...
) showed the property with bridges spanning both countries (at Grand Island in the US and the Canadian mainland on the other side).http://www.nfpl.library.on.ca/nfplindex/show.asp?id=95751&b=1 The proposal was ultimately turned down in favor of the current U.N. headquarters
United Nations headquarters
The headquarters of the United Nations is a complex in New York City. The complex has served as the official headquarters of the United Nations since its completion in 1952. It is located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, on spacious grounds overlooking the East River...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
The present day Town of Grand Island is located at the northwestern corner of the state. The town is northwest of Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. Interstate 190
Interstate 190 (New York)
Interstate 190 runs 28.34 miles from Interstate 90 near Buffalo, New York to Lewiston, New York via Niagara Falls. Parts of this highway were built on the former rights-of-way of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the Erie Canal. It is referred to by locals as The One-Ninety...
and New York State Route 324
New York State Route 324
New York State Route 324 is an east–west state highway located in the western portion of New York in the United States...
cross the island.
Period before the American Revolution
In the early historical period of the island, the 16th century, FrenchFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
explorers found members of the Neutral Nation
Neutral Nation
The Neutrals, also known as the Attawandaron, were an Iroquoian nation of North American native people who lived near the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.-Territory:...
of Native Americans, also known as the Attawandaron, living on the island; by 1651, the nearby Seneca Nation had chased off or killed the Neutrals, having also absorbed some of the survivors. The Seneca used the island for hunting and fishing.
In 1764, as part of the Treaty of Cession after the French and Indian War
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War is the common American name for the war between Great Britain and France in North America from 1754 to 1763. In 1756, the war erupted into the world-wide conflict known as the Seven Years' War and thus came to be regarded as the North American theater of that war...
, the island became part of the British
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
colonies in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
.
Period after the American Revolution
In 1815, New York State purchased Grand Island and other small islands in the Niagara RiverNiagara River
The Niagara River flows north from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. It forms part of the border between the Province of Ontario in Canada and New York State in the United States. There are differing theories as to the origin of the name of the river...
from the Iroquois
Iroquois
The Iroquois , also known as the Haudenosaunee or the "People of the Longhouse", are an association of several tribes of indigenous people of North America...
nation for $1,000 in hand, and annually, forever, a perpetuity of $500 (to this day, paid every June). The treaty was signed by Governor Daniel D. Tompkins
Daniel D. Tompkins
Daniel D. Tompkins was an entrepreneur, jurist, Congressman, the fourth Governor of New York , and the sixth Vice President of the United States .-Name:...
, Peter B. Porter, Chief Red Jacket
Red Jacket
Red Jacket was a Native American Seneca orator and chief of the Wolf clan...
, Falling Boards, Twenty Canoes, Sharp Shins, Man Killer, and others. The Senecas reserved the right to hunt, fish and fowl on the islands.
In 1824, in a precursor to modern Zionism
Zionism
Zionism is a Jewish political movement that, in its broadest sense, has supported the self-determination of the Jewish people in a sovereign Jewish national homeland. Since the establishment of the State of Israel, the Zionist movement continues primarily to advocate on behalf of the Jewish state...
, journalist and Utopian Mordecai Manuel Noah
Mordecai Manuel Noah
Mordecai Manuel Noah was an American playwright, diplomat, journalist, and utopian...
tried to found a Jewish homeland at Grand Island in the Niagara River, to be called Ararat, after Mount Ararat
Mount Ararat
Mount Ararat is a snow-capped, dormant volcanic cone in Turkey. It has two peaks: Greater Ararat and Lesser Ararat .The Ararat massif is about in diameter...
, the Biblical resting place of Noah's Ark. MacArthur Award-winning cartoonist Ben Katchor
Ben Katchor
Ben Katchor is an American cartoonist best known for his comic strip Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer. He has contributed comics and drawings to The New Yorker and The New York Times...
fictionalized Noah's scheme for Grand Island in his The Jew of New York
The Jew of New York
The Jew of New York is a graphic novel by Ben Katchor, inspired by Mordecai Manuel Noah's attempt to establish a Jewish homeland in Grand Island, New York in the 1820s. It was originally serialized in the pages of The Forward before being published in book form in 1999.-External links:* by J....
.
The Town of Grand Island was organized in 1852 from part of the Town of Tonawanda
Tonawanda (town), New York
Tonawanda is a town in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a population of 78,155. The town is at the north border of the county and is the northern suburb of Buffalo...
.
On August 25, 1993, the Seneca Nation
Seneca nation
The Seneca are a group of indigenous people native to North America. They were the nation located farthest to the west within the Six Nations or Iroquois League in New York before the American Revolution. While exact population figures are unknown, approximately 15,000 to 25,000 Seneca live in...
commenced an action to reclaim land that allegedly was taken from it without the approval of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York
United States District Court for the Western District of New York
The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is the Federal district court whose jurisdiction comprises only a part of New York....
. The Senecas argued that the 1815 transaction with New York State violated the Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790, which stated that no Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
lands were to be sold without consent of the Federal government. The Senecas sought the ejection of more than 2,000 property owners on the Island. By decision and order dated June 21, 2002, the trial court held that the subject lands were ceded to Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
in the 1764 treaties of peace and that the subject lands were not owned by the Seneca
Seneca nation
The Seneca are a group of indigenous people native to North America. They were the nation located farthest to the west within the Six Nations or Iroquois League in New York before the American Revolution. While exact population figures are unknown, approximately 15,000 to 25,000 Seneca live in...
at the time of the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua
Treaty of Canandaigua
The Treaty of Canandaigua is a treaty signed after the American Revolutionary War between the Grand Council of the Six Nations and President George Washington representing the United States of America....
and that New York State's purchase of them in 1815 was intended to avoid conflict with the Senecas over land it already owned. This decision was appealed and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is one of the thirteen United States Courts of Appeals...
affirmed the trial court's decision on September 9, 2004. The Senecas then sought review of this decision by the Supreme Court of the United States
Supreme Court of the United States
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all state and federal courts, and original jurisdiction over a small range of cases...
, which was denied on June 5, 2006.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 33.3 square miles (86.2 km²), of which 28.5 square miles (73.8 km²) is land and 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²) (14.35%) is water.
The town is located entirely on the island of Grand Island in the Niagara River
Niagara River
The Niagara River flows north from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. It forms part of the border between the Province of Ontario in Canada and New York State in the United States. There are differing theories as to the origin of the name of the river...
. The river splits into two parts at the south end of the island and rejoins at the northwest end, before flowing west to the Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
The Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River draining Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, is the collective name for the Horseshoe Falls and the adjacent American Falls along with the comparatively small Bridal Veil Falls, which combined form the highest flow rate of any waterfalls in the world and has...
.
The town lies adjacent to the international border between Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. As there is no direct bridge or ferry connection from the island to Canada, there are no customs or immigration services available. Paired bridges connect the south end of the island to the Town of Tonawanda
Tonawanda (town), New York
Tonawanda is a town in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a population of 78,155. The town is at the north border of the county and is the northern suburb of Buffalo...
, and another pair of bridges connects the northern end to the City of Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is a city in Niagara County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 50,193, down from the 55,593 recorded in the 2000 census. It is across the Niagara River from Niagara Falls, Ontario , both named after the famed Niagara Falls which they...
in Niagara County
Niagara County, New York
Niagara County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 216,469. The county seat is Lockport. The county name is from the Iroquois word Onguiaahra; meaning the strait or thunder of waters. It is the location of Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara, and...
. The two sets of bridges are connected by Interstate 190
Interstate 190 (New York)
Interstate 190 runs 28.34 miles from Interstate 90 near Buffalo, New York to Lewiston, New York via Niagara Falls. Parts of this highway were built on the former rights-of-way of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the Erie Canal. It is referred to by locals as The One-Ninety...
, a branch of the New York State Thruway
New York State Thruway
The New York State Thruway is a system of limited-access highways located within the state of New York in the United States. The system, known officially as the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway for former New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey, is operated by the New York State Thruway Authority and...
(Interstate 90
Interstate 90
Interstate 90 is the longest Interstate Highway in the United States at . It is the northernmost coast-to-coast interstate, and parallels US 20 for the most part. Its western terminus is in Seattle, at Edgar Martinez Drive S. near Safeco Field and CenturyLink Field, and its eastern terminus is in...
). In addition, New York State Route 324
New York State Route 324
New York State Route 324 is an east–west state highway located in the western portion of New York in the United States...
(Grand Island Boulevard) is conjoined with I-190 at the southern bridges and reaches its western terminus in the northern part of Grand Island.
Adjacent Cities & Towns
- Niagara FallsNiagara Falls, OntarioNiagara Falls is a Canadian city on the Niagara River in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario. The municipality was incorporated on June 12, 1903...
, OntarioOntarioOntario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
- west - Town of TonawandaTonawanda (town), New YorkTonawanda is a town in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a population of 78,155. The town is at the north border of the county and is the northern suburb of Buffalo...
- southeast - Niagara CountyNiagara County, New YorkNiagara County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 216,469. The county seat is Lockport. The county name is from the Iroquois word Onguiaahra; meaning the strait or thunder of waters. It is the location of Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara, and...
, City of North TonawandaNorth Tonawanda, New YorkNorth Tonawanda is a city in Niagara County, New York, United States. The population was 31,568 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is named after Tonawanda Creek, its south border...
- east - Niagara County, Town of WheatfieldWheatfield, New YorkWheatfield is a town in Niagara County, New York, United States. The population was 18,117 at the 2010 census. The name stems from the agricultural use of the town lands: Growing Wheat....
- northeast - Niagara County, City of Niagara FallsNiagara Falls, New YorkNiagara Falls is a city in Niagara County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 50,193, down from the 55,593 recorded in the 2000 census. It is across the Niagara River from Niagara Falls, Ontario , both named after the famed Niagara Falls which they...
- northwest
Major Highways in the Town of Grand Island
Interstate 190Interstate 190 (New York)Interstate 190 runs 28.34 miles from Interstate 90 near Buffalo, New York to Lewiston, New York via Niagara Falls. Parts of this highway were built on the former rights-of-way of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the Erie Canal. It is referred to by locals as The One-Ninety...
(Niagara Section), passes through the center of the island by the way of the North and South Grand Island Bridges.
New York State Route 324New York State Route 324New York State Route 324 is an east–west state highway located in the western portion of New York in the United States...
(Grand Island Blvd.), East-West Highway from its northern terminus at I-190 south through the central part of town, joining I-190 as the route travels east (south) out of the town to the Town of Tonawanda.
- Beaver Island Parkway, North-South Parkway from I-190 to Beaver Island State ParkBeaver Island State ParkBeaver Island State Park is a New York state park located in the town of Grand Island in northwestern Erie County, New York. The historic summer home of Lewis Allen, the uncle of US President Grover Cleveland is within the park...
. (NYS Reference Route 957B)
- West River Parkway, North-South Parkway along the western edge of town that parallels the Niagara RiverNiagara RiverThe Niagara River flows north from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. It forms part of the border between the Province of Ontario in Canada and New York State in the United States. There are differing theories as to the origin of the name of the river...
. It runs from Beaver Island Parkway in the south, north to East-West Park Rd. in Buckhorn Island State ParkBuckhorn Island State ParkBuckhorn Island State Park is located in Erie County, New York, in the Town of Grand Island. The park is on the northern end of the island of Grand Island. The park is primarily an exhibit of Niagara River wetlands....
near I-190 and NY 324's northern terminus. (NYS Reference Route 957C)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 18,621 people, 6,898 households, and 5,221 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 653.1 people per square mile (252.2/km²). There were 7,355 housing units at an average density of 257.9 per square mile (99.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.80% White, 3.165% African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.17% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population.
There were 6,898 households out of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.8% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.3% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.7% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $60,432, and the median income for a family was $70,521. Males had a median income of $48,457 versus $30,157 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $25,816. About 2.4% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.
Communities and locations on Grand Island
- Falconwood – A hamletHamlet (place)A hamlet is usually a rural settlement which is too small to be considered a village, though sometimes the word is used for a different sort of community. Historically, when a hamlet became large enough to justify building a church, it was then classified as a village...
on the southeast shore of the town. - Ferry VillageFerry Village, New YorkFerry Village, New York is an unincorporated hamlet in the town of Grand Island in Erie County, New York, USA.-References:...
– A hamlet on the border of Beaver Island State Park. - Hennepin Road – Road within Grandyle Village named after a French explorer, Louis HennepinLouis HennepinFather Louis Hennepin, O.F.M. baptized Antoine, was a Catholic priest and missionary of the Franciscan Recollect order and an explorer of the interior of North America....
, who observed and described Niagara FallsNiagara FallsThe Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River draining Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, is the collective name for the Horseshoe Falls and the adjacent American Falls along with the comparatively small Bridal Veil Falls, which combined form the highest flow rate of any waterfalls in the world and has...
in 1677. - OakfieldOakfield, Erie County, New YorkOakfield, New York is an unincorporated hamlet in the town of Grand Island in Erie County, New York, USA.-References:...
– A location north of Beaver Island State Park. - SheenwaterSheenwater, New YorkSheenwater, New York is an unincorporated hamlet in the town of Grand Island in Erie County, New York, USA.-References:...
– A location on the west shore of the island. - Grandyle VillageGrandyle Village, New YorkGrandyle Village, New York is an unincorporated hamlet in the town of Grand Island in Erie County, New York, USA.-References:...
– A small neighborhood located near Beaver Island parkway and the South Grand Island BridgeSouth Grand Island BridgeThe South Grand Island Bridge carries Interstate 190 across the Niagara River between Tonawanda, New York and Grand Island, New York. The toll plaza is found on the Tonawanda side of the bridge; Only 2 booths are EZ-Pass, the remainder are manned booths.The twin Truss arch bridges crosses from...
. - Sandy BeachSandy Beach, New YorkSandy Beach, New York is an unincorporated hamlet in the town of Grand Island in Erie County, New York, USA. It is located to the east of Buckhorn Island State Park....
– A hamlet in the northeast shore of the island. - Fairview Court – A hamlet in the southwest shore of the island.
- Sour Springs Grove – A location by the shore in the southeast part of the town.
- North Grand Island BridgeNorth Grand Island BridgeThe North Grand Island Bridge carries Interstate 190 across the Niagara River between Grand Island, New York and Niagara Falls, New York. The toll plaza are found on the Grand Island, New York side of the bridge....
– Bridge closest to Niagara FallsNiagara Falls, New YorkNiagara Falls is a city in Niagara County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 50,193, down from the 55,593 recorded in the 2000 census. It is across the Niagara River from Niagara Falls, Ontario , both named after the famed Niagara Falls which they...
, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. - South Grand Island BridgeSouth Grand Island BridgeThe South Grand Island Bridge carries Interstate 190 across the Niagara River between Tonawanda, New York and Grand Island, New York. The toll plaza is found on the Tonawanda side of the bridge; Only 2 booths are EZ-Pass, the remainder are manned booths.The twin Truss arch bridges crosses from...
– Bridge closest to Tonawanda, a suburb of BuffaloBuffalo, New YorkBuffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
Points of interest
- Beaver Island State ParkBeaver Island State ParkBeaver Island State Park is a New York state park located in the town of Grand Island in northwestern Erie County, New York. The historic summer home of Lewis Allen, the uncle of US President Grover Cleveland is within the park...
– A state parkState parkState parks are parks or other protected areas managed at the federated state level within those nations which use "state" as a political subdivision. State parks are typically established by a state to preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational...
located at the south end of the island. The park is fully developed for many recreational activities, including 18 holes of golf. - Buckhorn Island State ParkBuckhorn Island State ParkBuckhorn Island State Park is located in Erie County, New York, in the Town of Grand Island. The park is on the northern end of the island of Grand Island. The park is primarily an exhibit of Niagara River wetlands....
– A state park at the north end of Grand Island, noted for its attempts to preserve the local environment. - Grand Island Nike Base – A town park and senior citizen center originally a US Army missile site which was part of Project NikeProject NikeProject Nike was a U.S. Army project, proposed in May 1945 by Bell Laboratories, to develop a line-of-sight anti-aircraft missile system. The project delivered the United States' first operational anti-aircraft missile system, the Nike Ajax, in 1953...
from the mid 1950s through the mid 1960s. - Grand Island Rod and Gun Club – An outdoor rifle range, trap and skeet range, and archery range. There is also a small pond on the land for fishing.
- Martin's Fantasy IslandMartin's Fantasy IslandMartin's Fantasy Island is an amusement park located in Grand Island, New York.- History :Fantasy Island opened in 1961 and went bankrupt in 1982. It was acquired out of bankruptcy by Charles Wood, the original owner of Storytown USA. He sold the park to International Broadcasting Corporation in...
– 85 acres (343,983.1 m²) amusement parkAmusement parkthumb|Cinderella Castle in [[Magic Kingdom]], [[Disney World]]Amusement and theme parks are terms for a group of entertainment attractions and rides and other events in a location for the enjoyment of large numbers of people...
. - River Lea Farmhouse – an 1849 Victorian farmhouse once owned by Grover ClevelandGrover ClevelandStephen Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. Cleveland is the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms and therefore is the only individual to be counted twice in the numbering of the presidents...
's uncle, who hired Cleveland to work on the farm, the future president's first job. - Veterans Park – A park in the north part of the town.
- Woods Creek – A small stream that enters the Niagara River at Buckhorn Island Park.
- Spaulding-Sidway BoathouseSpaulding-Sidway BoathouseSpaulding-Sidway Boathouse is a historic boathouse located on Grand Island in Erie County, New York. The boathouse was built as part of the "River Lawn" estate of Elbridge G. Spaulding . It is a Late Victorian Stick / Queen Anne style frame structure constructed in 1870. The boathouse is a two...
– listed on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in 1998.
Notable people
- Jimmy AriasJimmy AriasJames Arias is a former tennis touring professional player from the United States, a bronze medallist.From Grand Island, near Buffalo, New York, Arias's peak year was 1983, when as a 19 year-old he finished the year ranked World No. 6, having reached the U.S...
– retired tennis player - Dale BrownDale BrownDale Brown is an American author and aviator, most famous for his aviation techno-thriller novels, with thirteen New York Times best sellers to his name.Brown was born in Buffalo, New York...
– Best-selling military techno-thriller novelist, graduated from Grand Island High School 1974 - Stacy ClarkStacy ClarkStacy Clark is an American singer-songwriter born in Buffalo, New York.- Beginnings :Clark was born and raised in Buffalo, New York by her mother. Her first introduction to performing was at four years old through dancing. Growing up on the stage was a platform for what was to come...
– singer/songwriter/musician - Grover ClevelandGrover ClevelandStephen Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. Cleveland is the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms and therefore is the only individual to be counted twice in the numbering of the presidents...
– 22nd & 24th U.S. President, owned a home at Beaver Island - Charles N. DeGlopperCharles N. DeGlopperCharles Neilans DeGlopper was a United States Army soldier who posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the highest award of the U.S...
– World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
hero born and raised on Grand Island - Carlin HartmanCarlin HartmanCarlin Hartman is currently the Associate Head Coach at Columbia University. He is a 1990 graduate of Grand Island Senior High School in Grand Island, NY. As a senior, he was an Honorable Mention McDonald's All-American. He attended Tulane University from 1991–1994 and was on the Metro Conference...
– assistant men's basketball coach, University of RichmondUniversity of RichmondThe University of Richmond is a selective, private, nonsectarian, liberal arts university located on the border of the city of Richmond and Henrico County, Virginia. The University of Richmond is a primarily undergraduate, residential university with approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate... - Mordecai Noah – an American playwright, diplomat, journalist, and utopian; he tried to found a Jewish homeland at Grand Island
- Brett KernBrett KernBrett Kern is an American football punter for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Toledo....
– NFL player for the Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... - Larry PlayfairLarry PlayfairLarry William Playfair is a retired former professional ice hockey player with a reputation as a hard-working, pugnacious defender...
– retired NHL player - Bill ScherrerBill ScherrerWilliam Joseph Scherrer , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues primarily in relief from 1982-1988...
– retired MLB player
Public schools
Public schools are under the jurisdiction of the Grand Island Central School District.- Grand Island High SchoolGrand Island Senior High School (New York)Grand Island Senior High School is a public high school located at 1100 Ransom Road in Grand Island, New York. The school follows the New York State Regents Board curriculum. Advanced Placement classes are offered in 16 subjects including Biology, Calculus, Physics C: Mechanics and ...
- Veronica E. Connor Middle School
- William M. Kaegebein Elementary School
- Huth Road Elementary School
- Charlotte Sidway Elementary School
Further reading
- Selig Adler & Thomas E. Connolly. From Ararat to Suburbia: the History of the Jewish Community of Buffalo (Philadelphia: the Jewish Publication Society of America, 1960, Library of Congress Number 60-15834).
- Rob Roy Macleod. Cinderella Island (Grand Island, NY: Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, 1969)