Newfield, New York, in the southwest part of Tompkins County, NY, is conveniently located between the cities of Ithaca and Elmira in the Finger Lakes Region. First settled around 1800, subsistence farming was the primary industry. In 1825, the opening of the Erie Canal provided an outlet for the crops of Newfield and Tompkins County. Local flour mills processed wheat and corn and a creamery was added.
Today, Newfield's agriculture is focused primarily on dairy farming. Newfield was formed from the Town of Spencer in 1811 as the Town of Cayuta. In 1822, the town assumed its current name, taken from the many open fields still in the large 59-square-mile town.
The Newfield Town Court is in the same building as the Town Hall, at 166 Main Street, Newfield, NY 14867. Newfield's 5,108 residents (2000 U.S. Census) utilize the Tompkins County Courts when necessary, which are located in the 6th Judicial District. The Supreme Court, County Court, Surrogate's Court and Family Court are held at the Main Courthouse, 320 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. The Supreme Court has the broadest jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters, but generally hears only cases that are outside the jurisdiction of other trial courts. The Supreme Court can grant divorces, annulments, and separations. The County Court is authorized to handle the prosecution of all crimes committed within the county. City Courts have criminal jurisdiction over misdemeanors and lesser offenses. Town and Village Courts have criminal jurisdiction over violations and misdemeanors. Traffic infractions are also heard in these courts. In Newfield, New York, personal injury claims are handled in civil court. Town and Village Courts have civil jurisdiction over claims of up to $3,000. City courts have civil jurisdiction over claims of up to $15,000. County Courts have limited jurisdiction in civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000; for higher dollar amounts, the Supreme Court hears cases outside the jurisdiction of other trial courts.
Newfield Central Schools provides public education for Newfield's children. Cornell University and Ithaca College are both located in Ithaca, NY, just five miles south of Newfield.
The Newfield Covered Bridge, built in the mid-1800s, is an important asset for Newfield. The bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built for a total of $800. A historical marker is located at the site of the covered bridge. Reconstructed twice, the bridge in still in use.
Many residents of Newfield work in the nearby communities of Ithaca, Elmira or Binghamton, while enjoying the small, quiet town of Newfield. New York State Route 13, New York State Route 34 and New York State Route 96 make commuting easy for Newfield's residents.
The Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area, a conservation area in the northwest part of Newfield and the Robert H. Treman State Park, partly in the north part of Newfield, provide residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation. The State Park features numerous waterfalls along a rigorous four-mile round-trip hike.
