Elmira

Elmira is a city in Chemung County in New York State that extends along the Chemung River over an area of roughly 7.6 square miles (19.6 square kilometers). Residential neighborhoods sit scattered between the river and surrounding hills, while the downtown area occupies ground near the riverbank.

During the Civil War, the prison in town served as a military camp for Confederate soldiers from 1864 to 1865. The facility closed after the war and later reopened as a civilian correctional institution.

The Arnot Art Museum displays European paintings from the 17th to 19th century and American art inside a Renaissance-style building constructed in 1833. Visitors can explore the collections during regular opening hours within the historic rooms.

The city offers seasonal leaf collection in November and maintains several public parks for recreational activities throughout the year. Visitors can move around the downtown area on foot, while residential neighborhoods are easier to reach by car.

Mark Twain composed several novels in his study located in town, including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The author's workspace sat in a separate small building on the grounds of his summer residence.

Location: Chemung County

Inception: 1864

Elevation above the sea: 266 m

Website: http://cityofelmira.net

GPS coordinates: 42.08980,-76.80773

Latest update: December 13, 2025 08:17