Esopus, New York

Esopus is a town in Ulster County, New York, United States. The population was 9,041 at the 2010 census. The name comes from the local Indian tribe and means "high banks."

The town of Esopus is on the west bank of the Hudson River south of the City of Kingston. The town center is in Port Ewen. US Route 9W passes up the east side of the town.

History
The area was a notable trading site between the Dutch and the native Esopus tribe. The town of Esopus was founded in 1811 from Kingston, New York, which also was called "Esopus" at one time.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 41.9 sqmi, of which, 37.2 sqmi of it is land and 4.6 sqmi of it (11.08%) is water.

The east town line, marked by the Hudson River, is the border of Dutchess County. The Rondout Creek marks the north town line, while the Wallkill River defines the western border.

The lowest point in the town is the shore of the Hudson River, which is at sea level. The highest point is the summit of Hussey Hill, at 906 feet (276 m). Hussey Hill is part of the Marlboro Mountains, which run roughly north to south through the central and eastern sections of Esopus.

Esopus also has three lakes; Esopus Lake and Mirror Lake, which are in Ulster Park, and Louisa Pond, which is located to the west of the village of Esopus. Louisa Pond is located in Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area.

Demographics
As of the 2000 census there were 9,331 people, 3,439 households and 2,235 families residing in the town. The population density was 250.5 people per square mile (96.7/km²). There were 3,724 housing units at an average density of 100.0 per square mile (38.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 94.57% White; 2.18% African American; 0.24% Native American; 0.94% Asian; 0.49% from other races; and 1.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.91% of the population.

There were 3,439 households out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them; 51.7% were married couples living together; 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present; and 35.0% were non-families. 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.01.

The population in town was spread out with 25.4% under the age of 18; 6.9% from 18 to 24; 29.3% from 25 to 44; 25.9% from 45 to 64; and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $46,915, and the median income for a family was $55,442. Males had a median income of $38,016 versus $31,010 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,174. About 4.6% of families and, and 18.5% of those age 65 or over.

In the early part of the 21st century, Esopus became known as a haven for artists and performers including Academy Award and Tony Award-winning actress Frances McDormand, singer and Broadway actress Kelli O'Hara, soap opera star Sebastian Roche, director Joel Coen, choreographer Joe Langworth, Emmy Award-winning actor Peter Dinklage, and singer Greg Naughton, all of whom have homes in Esopus. Other historical figures and famous people who have lived in Esopus include naturalist John Burroughs, abolitionist Sojourner Truth, Major Gen. Daniel Butterfield, who founded the American Express Company and wrote “Taps” in 1862, and 1904 Democratic nominee for president Alton Brooks Parker, a lawyer and judge, who lost to incumbent Theodore Roosevelt.

Communities and locations in Esopus

 * Connelly – A hamlet in the northeast part of the town and suburb of Kingston. It is on the south bank of Rondout Creek.
 * Dashville – A hamlet south of Rifton.
 * Esopus – A hamlet by the Hudson River and located on Route 9W; features business such as Black Bear Trading Post, The Country Store, and Lucille's Restaurant.
 * New Salem – A hamlet at the north town line by Rondout Creek.
 * Port Ewen – A hamlet in the northeast part of the town and suburb of Kingston.
 * Rifton – A hamlet in the western part of the town on Route 213.
 * St. Remy – A hamlet south of New Salem.
 * Sleightsburgh – A hamlet at the northeast corner of the town and suburb of Kingston. The community is at the mouth of Rondout Creek.
 * Ulster Park – A hamlet north of Esopus hamlet on Route 9W.
 * Union Center – A hamlet west of Ulster Park.
 * West Park – A hamlet south of Esopus hamlet on Route 9W.