Elmira, New York

Elmira is a city located in Chemung County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 30,940.

Additional facts about the City of Elmira

The City Slogan is "Honoring the Past, Building the Future". It is featured on an Entrance sign into the City from Exit 56 of the Southern Tier Expressway along with other honored Elmirans including (l to r)Brian Williams, Hal Roach, Ernie Davis, Mark Twain, Eileen Collins, John Jones, and Tommy Hilfiger. The sign was erected in 2003 by The Sign Man and designed by the City of Elmira Webmaster, Joshua Miller. The slogan was designated by Mayor Stephen Hughes following the conclusion of a slogan contest in which Marlin Stewart, Alan and Barbara Hutchinson, and James Lloyd were recognized for their contributions to the winning slogan.

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Elmira was the home of American author and humorist Mark Twain in his latter years. He and members of his family are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery there. The city is also the hometown of the first black Heisman Trophy Winner, Ernie Davis; the first female space shuttle commander, Eileen Collins; fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger; Westchester County district attorney and US Senate candidate Jeanine Pirro; Little Rascals director Hal Roach; and NBC News correspondent and host of NBC Nightly News Brian Williams.

Related Topics:
Mark Twain - Woodlawn Cemetery - Heisman Trophy - Ernie Davis - Space shuttle - Eileen Collins - Tommy Hilfiger - Westchester County - District attorney - US Senate - Jeanine Pirro - Hal Roach - NBC News - NBC Nightly News - Brian Williams

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Elmira was the site of a Civil War prison, called "Hellmira". It was located along the northern shore of the Chemung River (now Winsor Street). It was originally a Union Training Camp, named Camp Rathbun, but was converted to a prison camp in 1864. 12,123 Confederate soldiers were prisoners at "Hellmira"; 2,963 died during their stay as a result of disease and poor sanitary conditions.

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On at least two hilltops near the city (mostly on Harris Hill to the northwest) pioneer pilots established the sport of gliding in America. Harris Hill is the site of the National Soaring Museum.

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The last Labrador Duck was seen at Elmira on December 12, 1878.

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The City Government is a City Manager/City Council Style form of Government. There is one Mayor elected at large and six councilmembers from each of the six council districts. The Mayor and Councilmembers are all part-time employees. The City Manager, City Clerk, City Chamberlain, City Assessor, and Corporation Counsel are all appointed by the City Council.

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The Elmira-Corning Regional Airport is located about 10 miles outside of the City in the Town of Big Flats.

Related Topics:
Elmira-Corning Regional Airport - Town of Big Flats

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Elmira College is located in the city.

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