Hammondsport Village Court

The center of the township of Urbana, Hammondsport Village was a vital link in the transport of produce on Keuka Lake. In 1831, the Crooked Lake Canal connected Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake and finally the Erie Canal. Of the 5 fine hotels in use by 1835, only the Urbana House (Park Inn Hotel) remains. The old village school building became the Curtiss Museum. Known as the “Cradle of Aviation” due to Hammondsport native Glen Curtiss (1878-1930) who developed the “June Bug”, a kite-like plane he flew July 4th 1908; started developing modern trailers (both tent & house types); worked on the 1st motor home with 4 wheel drive & early seaplanes at the time of his death. Hammondsport is also known for the many large and small independent wineries in the area.