Oakfield,
New
York exemplifies small town living at its finest.
One of the northernmost towns in agriculturally rich Genesee
County, Oakfield lies only 40 miles from the
bustling cities of Buffalo
and Rochester.
This provides Oakfield residents with easy access to
all urban amenities, while allowing them the
tranquility and slower pace of small town life.
Census
2000 recorded the town of Oakfield's population as
3,203. The town extends across 24 square miles of
gently rolling hillside. Within the town lies the
village of Oakfield,
with a population of 1,805. NY
2003 census estimates showed a slight decrease in
population. The Batavia
Metro Area encompasses all of Oakfield. Considered
the "Birthplace of Western
NY", the Batavia region is rich with history.
Seneca
Indians first settled the Oakfield area. Purchased
from them by the Holland
Land Office Requisition of 1797, the first white
settlers arrived in 1801. By 1842, the township of
Oakland formed. Today, some of the best-preserved
Indian mounds and earthworks found in New York State
are here. The remains of two ancient Indian forts, a
scattering of lodges and a wealth of pottery and bone
pieces remain.
The Iroquois
National Wildlife Refuge lies just beyond Oakfield
town borders, named in honor of the first settlers of
the region. The refuge is the nesting grounds of
numerous Bald
Eagles and remains part of the migratory path of
countless birds. Hiking trails lead birdwatchers to
premium sites. Allowed here also are small
game hunting and fishing. Oakfield residents have
access to a number of recreational activities. Only 45
minutes from the spectacular Niagara
Falls and 20 minutes from Six
Flags Darien Lake, Oakfield lies near an
assortment of family fun. Beautiful Genesee
County provides access to Canada
as well as NY's famous Finger
Lakes Region.
The Old
Orchard Creek flows through the northern part of Oakfield.
Along the creek, huge stands of ancient oak trees
grow, providing a grace and loveliness to the town,
along with its name. One of the tributaries flowing
north into the creek provides hydropower for several
mills and manufacturing plants. One of the first
gristmills in Western NY still operates here. North of
the creek lies the immense Tonawanda
Swamp, also a wildlife management area and a key
migratory stop for an abundance of bird life. Oakfield
has several salt springs, and salt manufacturing
remains a key economic factor.
Manufacturing
provides 19% of Oakfield's employment, while education
and health services, 23%. The retail trade employs
almost 13% of the population. The median household
income (2000 data) stood at $41,579, just slightly
lower than the national average.
Oakfield,
New York combines history, untouched wildlife refuges,
and a proximity to urban resources to create a fine
standard of living for its citizens. Proud of its
looming oak trees and its heritage, Oakfield faces a
bright future.
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