During the Civil War, Binghamton was home to such industries as cigar making and railroads. However, Binghamton has always been a city of adaptable industries. A shoe company, Endicott-Johnson, carried it through much of the twentieth century, and as it declined, the newborn IBM took its place. Today, Binghamton may be between primary industries, but is sustained by a thriving Binghamton University, as well as numerous smaller employers.
Binghamton calls itself the "carousel capital of the world," and it's well justified. The founder of Endicott-Johnson, George F. Johnson, donated six beautiful carousels to the town. These are located within parks throughout Binghamton. Riding is free.
The Roberson Museum and Science Center is also well worth exploring. The Science Center, full of interactive exhibits, is of special interest to children. It's one thing to watch a video of someone flying a plane and another to actually experience what it'd be like. The Science Center allows children to experience.
Children also love Ross Park Zoo on Morgan Road, fifth oldest zoo in the United States. Of particular note is the Zoo's wolf exhibit . . . two and a half acres dedicated to timber wolves and the endangered red wolves.
Binghamton is about 140 miles from Albany on Route 88 and about 65 miles from Syracuse on Route 81 S. Check out the navigational column on the left-hand side for more information.
