Town History

Ellery is beautiful little town located in about the geographic center of Chautauqua County, which is in the southwest corner of New York State.  The extended lakefront of approximately 12 miles borders the eastern shore of Chautauqua Lake.  The lake frontage was developed early as a tourist and recreational attraction and continues to this day.  The rural areas of the town are hilly and many boast a view of the lake.  At one time, the town was home to many thriving farms; but as times have changed so too have the uses for the land and there is now development of homes in the rural areas as well as along the much sought after lake front and adjacent property.

Ellery was divided from the "mother town" Chautauqua on February 29, 1821.  The first settlement was in the spring of 1806 when William Bemus set up housekeeping at what was and still is known as the Village of Bemus Point.  This charming village is a hub of activity and is known by many far and wide as the place to "meet and greet".  Other populated hamlets in the town include Maple Springs and Greenhurst.

For more detailed information, please contact the Bemus Point Historical Society at (716) 386-2274 or
​Town Historian, Cherri Clark at (716) 386-3105.