Located in the southwestern corner of Yates County, Italy is home to the High Tor Wildlife Management Area, a preserve of over 6,100 acres, and the Italy Hill State Forest. From 1930 to 1938, the state acquired abandoned, agricultural land under the Hewlett Amendment and the authority of the Enlarged Reforestation Act. The current size is about 1,898 acres.
The town is roughly a six mile by six-mile square, covering approximately 40 square miles. The bordering communities are Jerusalem to the east, Steuben County to the south, Ontario County to the west and to the north is the town of Middlesex.
Italy Hill is the highest elevation above sea level in the county at 2,145 feet, offering dramatic views to the glaciated hills and valleys. Canandaigua Lake, the low point in the town, is 686 feet above sea level.
Originally part of the Town of Naples, which was organized as Middletown in 1789, Italy became a town of its own in February 15, 1815. It was first called Italy Hollow and later, Italy Valley. John Mower was reportedly one of the first settlers of the town, staking his claim to West River Hollow as early as 1790 at age 19. He built the first frame building in the rugged town.
The first postmaster was Valentine Graham, who was named to the post after building the town's first distillery around 1818. He was also justice of the peace and town clerk for several years. The first physician was Dr. Elisha Doubleday.
The Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail, a 55- mile hiking trail that is part of the 900-mile Finger Lakes Trail System, extends from Ontario County to the Hi Tor Management Area and south again toward Mitchellsville in Steuben County.
Italy was once the home of a sizable Seneca Indian population. Many legends and Indian tales talk about the region and the birth of the Seneca people, which is believed to have occurred at an opening in the earth at the foot of Clark's gully. In more recent times, the population of the town is the lowest in the county, estimated at about 1,099 people.
The town is roughly a six mile by six-mile square, covering approximately 40 square miles. The bordering communities are Jerusalem to the east, Steuben County to the south, Ontario County to the west and to the north is the town of Middlesex.
Italy Hill is the highest elevation above sea level in the county at 2,145 feet, offering dramatic views to the glaciated hills and valleys. Canandaigua Lake, the low point in the town, is 686 feet above sea level.
Originally part of the Town of Naples, which was organized as Middletown in 1789, Italy became a town of its own in February 15, 1815. It was first called Italy Hollow and later, Italy Valley. John Mower was reportedly one of the first settlers of the town, staking his claim to West River Hollow as early as 1790 at age 19. He built the first frame building in the rugged town.
The first postmaster was Valentine Graham, who was named to the post after building the town's first distillery around 1818. He was also justice of the peace and town clerk for several years. The first physician was Dr. Elisha Doubleday.
The Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail, a 55- mile hiking trail that is part of the 900-mile Finger Lakes Trail System, extends from Ontario County to the Hi Tor Management Area and south again toward Mitchellsville in Steuben County.
Italy was once the home of a sizable Seneca Indian population. Many legends and Indian tales talk about the region and the birth of the Seneca people, which is believed to have occurred at an opening in the earth at the foot of Clark's gully. In more recent times, the population of the town is the lowest in the county, estimated at about 1,099 people.
Historic and Scenic Sights
1. Italy Hill State Forest
2. High Tor Game Management Area
3. Italy Valley Methodist Church (1856), Italy Valley Road
4. Jeremiah Fox farm (1815), Italy Valley Road
5. Parish farm buildings (mid-18oos), Route 245 and Parrish Hill Road
6. Clark's Gully
7. Earthen arc-henge
8. Big Rock
9. Italy Valley
10. Italy Hill Baptist Church (1844), Italy Turnpike n. Smith McCloud stone house (1825-1830), Italy Turnpike
2. High Tor Game Management Area
3. Italy Valley Methodist Church (1856), Italy Valley Road
4. Jeremiah Fox farm (1815), Italy Valley Road
5. Parish farm buildings (mid-18oos), Route 245 and Parrish Hill Road
6. Clark's Gully
7. Earthen arc-henge
8. Big Rock
9. Italy Valley
10. Italy Hill Baptist Church (1844), Italy Turnpike n. Smith McCloud stone house (1825-1830), Italy Turnpike