Arkport History

Founded in 1797 by Christopher Hurlbut. Arkport was located in the extreme northern part of the town of Hornellsville and was an agricultural area.

Arks were loaded behind the houses on State Route 36 in fields called the ark yards. This practice continued for several years until the time (around 1825) the Erie Canal was built and it became more cost effective to ship goods via the canal. Hence the name Christopher Hurlbut gave his little town: "Ark-Port"!

The railroad was built and began service around 1851.

The village was incorporated around 1913.
Source: Historical Society of Arkkport [has more detailed information and book on Arkport History for sale] {Early Arkport, 1797-1830}
Also see: NYSED.gov on Christopher Hurlbut

The village is on the east bank of the Canisteo River. The Village of Arkport is in the Town of Hornellsville and is north of the City of Hornell.
Source: wikipedia.org