Town of Ashland

On April 25, 1867, the Town of Ashland was officially incorporated. Residents did not like the considerable distance they had to travel to vote, so portions of Elmira, Southport, and Chemung were combined to form the new town. It was the last township incorporated within Chemung County. The Chemung River forms the boundary for nearly the entire eastern and part of the northern limits. Early settlers came to the area to farm the fertile river valley while the wooded hills were used for lumber and grazing. The Village of Wellsburg and part of the hamlet of Lowman are within the town’s boarders.