Welcome to Chemung County! Located in the Southern Tier of Central New York State, Chemung County is also known as "Mark Twain Country". Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) did some of his best writing while living in Chemung County, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He is buried here in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Chemung County has a long and rich history. The name itself dates back to 1779 when early settlers named the area after a Native American village that was destroyed by the Sullivan Expedition. In the Delaware dialect of the Algonquin language, the word Chemung means Place of the big horn. This harkens back to a time when Native Americans discovered large mammoth tusks along what is now the Chemung River.

Chemung County's heart is beating with the vitality of a modern business center, yet remains peaceful in nature. Chemung County's veins are rich in history, commerce and community spirt. Among the County's unique aspects are the people who have called this region home, just as Mark Twain did in the late 19th century. Space shuttle commander Eileen Collins, leading fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, and legendary film producer Hal Roach were raised in Chemung County. Athletes such as Heisman trophy winner Ernie Davis, PGA golfers Joey Sindelar and Mike Hulbert, pop sensation Michael Fredo, NASCAR drivers Geoff, Brett & Todd Bodine and NBC News anchor Brian Williams have all called Chemung County home. Yet, Chemung County's biggest asset are the "everyday" people who live and work here. They help create the friendly atmosphere that makes Chemung County so special.

While visiting this site you will find a wealth of information about Chemung County, including maps, photos and valuable information about our County Government. You can click on many images on this site for a full-size view.

For more information about Chemung County feel free to email Mark Schneider, Director of Information & Records, or contact him directly at 607-737-2837.