Chittenango, village in Madison County, New York, United States
Chittenango is a small village in Madison County, New York, situated near a river with quiet streets lined by old trees and small shops. The place has a peaceful layout with residential homes and local businesses that reflect its long connection to water-based activities and trade.
The village was officially established in 1842, though a canal connection built in 1818 brought shipping trade before that. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 greatly accelerated growth, making boat building and repair a central part of the local economy for decades.
The name Chittenango comes from a Native American word meaning "where waters run north". The village celebrates its connection to author L. Frank Baum through yellow brick sidewalks downtown and shops named after Oz characters, keeping his stories woven into everyday life.
The village is easy to walk around, with parking available near main attractions. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes depending on the season, as paths along the water and through parks can be wet or slippery.
L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wizard of Oz", was born here, and the village celebrates this connection with yellow brick sidewalks and the annual Oz-Stravaganza festival. The All Things Oz museum displays original movie props and items from Baum's family collection, making it a pilgrimage site for Oz enthusiasts.
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