Phelps (village), New York

Phelps is a village located in Ontario County, New York, United States. The population was 1,986 at the 2020 census. It is within the town of Phelps.

History:

The village was originally known as "Vienna". The name was changed to Phelps in 1795 in honor of Oliver Phelps, a land speculator who, along with Nathaniel Gorham, purchased a large tract of land in Western New York from the Iroquois Confederacy in 1788. The village was incorporated in 1855.

Geography:

Phelps is located in the northern part of Ontario County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.9 square miles (2.3 km2), all of it land. The Ganargua Creek flows through the village.

Demographics:

As of the census of 2020, there were 1,986 people, and 777 households residing in the village. The racial makeup of the village was 93.0% White, 1.2% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 1.1% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

Economy:

Historically, Phelps was an agricultural center. Today, it has a diverse economy with a mix of small businesses, agriculture, and light industry.

Points of Interest:

• The Phelps Community Historical Society Museum: Showcases local history.
• Ganargua Creek Trail: A recreational trail following the creek.

Notable People:

• Ezra Cornell, founder of Cornell University, lived in Phelps for a period.

Government:

The Village of Phelps is governed by a mayor and a board of trustees.