Known as the "Maple City" for its many maple trees, Hornell is a situated in the Canisteo Valley in the western part of Steuben County. It is a small farming town with a rich history in railway transportation, as well. The Erie Railroad arrived to Hornell in the mid-1800s, bringing with it an opportunity for prosperity. The railroad transformed the quiet town into a lively city.

By the 1970s, railroads were growing more and more obsolete, and Hornell was faced with tough times. Many of the railroad's talented workers still live in the city despite the disappearance of the railroad business.

Today, the Erie Depot Museum tells the story of Hornell's railroad-based history. The museum holds more than 700 interesting artifacts. 

Located near Hornell is the Canisteo Living Sign, which was was created with 260 Scotch pine trees. The trees were planted to spell out the letters of the town's name. The sign measures 300 feet by 90 feet and has been used as a visual flight reference by pilots since its creation. 

Historic Hornell, NY

Website
40 Main Street
Hornell, NY 14843
Phone: 607-324-9786

Located at Exit 34 of Interstate 86 Historic Hornell sits nestled in the Canisteo Valley in New York's Finger Lakes. It's a great blend of rural warmth and a bustling business community, accented with an array of arts and fun festivals.

How to Enjoy:
Hornell is home to many examples of historic architecture from the Greek Revival, Italianate, Colonial, and Queen Anne periods. Pick up a self-guided tour available from the Hornell Chamber of Commerce at 40 Main Street to relive the beauty of yesteryear. You can also pick up an antiques guide to the Hornell area to hunt for the perfect treasure for your home.

Related Places:
Just nine miles west of Hornell, off of Exit 33 of Interstate 86, is the Schein-Joseph International Museum of Ceramic Art located on the Alfred University campus, which houses nearly 8000 pieces of glass and ceramics ranging from small pottery shards from ancient civilizations to advanced installations showing the cutting edge of ceramic technology today.

Trivia:
Did you know that arks were built in the town now known as Arkport, NY and used to transport wheat, pork and other goods? The first ark was built in 1800 and bound for Baltimore, MD. Upon arrival the products were sold, then the ark was dismantled and the lumber sold as it was more expensive to bring the empty arks back. Arkport Summerfest is held each July.

The Canisteo Living Sign

120 Greenwood St
Canisteo, NY 14823

How to Enjoy:
You can enjoy the Canisteo Living Sign by car, by plane or by foot. Park by the elementary school on Greenwood Street to view the sign clearly from your car. If you'd like to get a closer look at the towering evergreens, you can hike up close to detect the fragrant trees.

Related Places:
Visit Costas Flying Service in Painted Post, NY to truly experience the Canisteo Living Sign as the sign's designers intended, and the rest of the scenic Finger Lakes region. Tree huggers and other plant lovers should visit the arboretum at Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, NY.

Trivia:
Did you know that the Living Sign in Canisteo is included in the book Weird New York, Your Travel Guide to New York's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets? To see another site in Weird New York, drive south on Route 36 to Jasper, New York, home of The Wigwams.

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