Binghamton, NY Summary

photo by inversed

This industrial city (population 54,100) is in south-central New York and sits at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers. With Endicott and Johnson City, Binghamton forms the Triple Cities, a footwear-manufacturing hub known as the “Home of the Square Deal.” The first shoe factory was built here in 1889 and by 1905 there were 22 of them.

By this time, Binghamton was enjoying major growth as an industrial hub. It had prospered as transportation channels opened in the early and mid-nineteenth century.

It was settled in 1785 and named for US Senator William Bingham, who owned land here at the time.

The manufacture of machinery, transportation equipment, and electronic components contributes to the economy today.

The Roberson Museum and Science Center, with its new Urban Cultural Park Visitor Center, is a notable attraction, as is the nearby Kopernik Observatory. Historic Courthouse Square is the site of an 1898 courthouse, a Civil War monument, and the Beaux Arts Old City Hall, now the Hotel de Ville. Ross Park Zoo, the Rod Serling Exhibit, and the Chenango Valley State Park are quite popular, and six antique carousels in parks throughout Triple Cities offer rides in exchange for a piece of litter.

Lodging and dining options are limited, though the local meat sandwich, the “spiedie” is worth a try. Syracuse to the north via I-81 is the nearest major hub. Cars are essential for getting around.