Ulysses, New York is in northwest Tompkins County, New York. The quaint Village of Trumansburg forms the centerpiece of the town and accounts for approximately one-third of Ulysses' population. First settled in the late 1700s and named after the hero of the Odyssey, Ulysses was home to 52 people in 1797. In 2000, the Town of Ulysses had a population of 4,775 people (U.S. Census Bureau).
Ulysses, New York utilizes 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 Ulysses Town Court is in the Town Hall, located at 10 Elm St., Trumansburg, NY 14886. The Village of Trumansburg maintains a Village Court, with a mailing address of PO Box 718, Trumansburg, NY 14886. 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 divorce, annulment, 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 Ulysses, 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.
Trumansburg Central Schools serve the children of Ulysses, NY. Adult classes are offered at the schools by the Trumansburg Community Education Program. For higher education, Cornell University and Ithaca College are both located in nearby Ithaca, NY.
The eastern town line is at Cayuga Lake, one of the New York's famous Finger Lakes. New York State Route 89 is a north-south highway near Cayuga Lake. New York State Route 96 is a northwest-to-southeast highway through the town. Air service is provided by the Tompkins County Airport in nearby Ithaca, New York.
While farming is Ulysses' major industry, nearby tourist attractions such as the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and Seneca Lake Wine Trail bring visitors into the area. Bed and Breakfasts and small bistros dot the landscape, creating a rural, friendly atmosphere.
Encompassing 36.8 square miles, the town of Ulysses is home to Taughannock Falls, the highest waterfall in the state of NY. The waterfall is part of Taughannock Falls State Park. The Park offers Ulysses' residents and visitors hiking and nature trails, camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, a boat launch, ice-skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
