Corfu (/ˈkɔːrfjuː/ KOR-fyoo) is a small village located in Genesee County, in the western region of New York State, United States. With a population of 689 as of the 2020 census, Corfu is a quiet, close-knit community that carries a rich historical legacy, scenic surroundings, and a rural charm that has endured for more than 150 years. Interestingly, the village is named after the Greek island of Corfu, reflecting a broader 19th-century American trend of borrowing names from classical or European origins.
Corfu sits along the southern border of the town of Pembroke, although about 1.5 acres of the village extend into the neighboring town of Darien. Its central location in the county—equidistant from key regional destinations such as Buffalo, Batavia, and Six Flags Darien Lake—makes it a small but significant waypoint in the rural heart of Western New York.
History
The earliest known name for what is now Corfu was "Longs Corners", a reference to the Long family, early settlers who were among the first to establish themselves in the region. As the community began to grow, particularly with the expansion of trade and postal services in the 19th century, the name “Corfu” was adopted upon the establishment of a post office. This marked a turning point in the village’s identity and its formal recognition as a settlement.
In 1868, Corfu was officially incorporated as a village. Like many other towns and villages in Western New York during this era, Corfu’s development was closely tied to agriculture, the railroad, and the westward expansion of settlers from more urban areas of the state. The arrival of railway lines, along with its location on key regional roads, helped make it a minor hub for commerce and transportation in its earlier decades.
Geography
Corfu is located at coordinates 42°57′31″N 78°24′14″W in western Genesee County, New York. The village encompasses a total area of approximately 1.0 square mile (2.6 km²), all of it land, according to the United States Census Bureau.
The village is traversed by two significant roadways:
New York State Route 33 (Main Street), which runs east–west through Corfu, connecting the village to Batavia (11 miles east) and Buffalo (26 miles west).
New York State Route 77 (Alleghany Road), which intersects Route 33 in the heart of the village and leads north to Lockport and south to Java Center.
Corfu is also strategically positioned exactly halfway along NY-77 between two major landmarks:
Six Flags Darien Lake, one of the largest amusement parks in New York State, located 3 miles south.
The New York State Thruway (I-90), a major interstate highway just 3 miles north, offering regional and national connectivity.
Running through the western part of the village is Murder Creek, a tributary of Tonawanda Creek, which adds both historical intrigue and natural beauty to the local landscape.
Demographics
Corfu maintains a small-town, rural atmosphere where agriculture still plays an essential role in the local economy. The village and surrounding Pembroke and Darien townships feature a mix of small farms, local shops, and service-based businesses, often catering to both residents and visitors headed to Six Flags Darien Lake or nearby campgrounds and music venues.
During the summer, tourism brings a noticeable boost to the region. Visitors pass through Corfu en route to Darien Lake Amphitheater, drawing thousands for major concerts and events. Nearby KOA campgrounds, bed & breakfasts, and seasonal festivals also contribute to a cyclical surge in economic activity.
Notable Features
Six Flags Darien Lake: A major amusement park just 3 miles south.
Murder Creek: A scenic tributary winding through the village, steeped in local lore.
Historic Main Street: Lined with modest but historic buildings, churches, and small businesses.
Proximity to I-90: Offering easy access to Buffalo, Rochester, and beyond.
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