Скачать или смотреть Driving Through East Bloomfield, New York

East Bloomfield, located in Ontario County in the western Finger Lakes region of New York State, is a small town with deep agricultural traditions, scenic countryside, and a rich early American history. Situated just southeast of Rochester, it offers a quieter rural pace while still being within commuting distance of larger employment centers.
Geographic Setting

The Town of East Bloomfield lies between Victor to the northwest, West Bloomfield to the west, and Canandaigua to the east. It encompasses the incorporated Village of Bloomfield (created in 1990 by merging the former villages of East Bloomfield and Holcomb) as well as surrounding farmland, wooded areas, and rolling hills.

The area is served by key routes including U.S. Route 20 and New York State Route 5, which run east–west through the village, and NY-64, which connects north to I-90 and south toward Bristol Mountain and the southern Finger Lakes. This crossroads location has historically made East Bloomfield a gateway between the Rochester area and the heart of the Finger Lakes.
Early History

Before European settlement, the Seneca people inhabited the area as part of the Iroquois Confederacy, relying on its fertile soil for crops. In the late 18th century, after the American Revolution and the Phelps and Gorham Purchase, the land was opened to settlers from New England. The town was officially established in 1789, making it one of the oldest municipalities in western New York.

Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the local economy. Wheat, corn, and livestock were early staples, and orchards flourished in the town’s rich loam. The arrival of stagecoach routes in the 19th century brought steady traffic through the village, encouraging the growth of inns, taverns, and small industries such as mills and blacksmith shops.
Holcomb and the Village Merger

In the late 19th century, a small but growing community developed just west of East Bloomfield’s main village, known as Holcomb. Named after early settler and prominent citizen Nathaniel Holcomb, the area had its own businesses, post office, and civic identity. Over time, the two villages grew closer both physically and economically. In 1990, East Bloomfield and Holcomb officially merged into the Village of Bloomfield to streamline services and strengthen community identity.

Remnants of both names remain — Holcomb still appears in local place names, and the Holcomb School Building now houses municipal offices and community services.
Architecture and Landmarks

East Bloomfield is home to numerous 19th-century buildings that reflect its long history. Greek Revival and Italianate homes line Main Street, while historic churches and civic buildings add to the small-town charm. Notable landmarks include:

East Bloomfield Academy — a historic school building dating to the mid-19th century.

United Church of Bloomfield — with roots tracing back to the town’s earliest settlers.

Bloomfield Historical Society Museum — preserving local artifacts, photographs, and genealogical records.

Many old barns and farmsteads dot the surrounding countryside, telling the story of generations of farming families.


In recent decades, small businesses, service industries, and commuting residents have diversified the economy. Many locals work in nearby Canandaigua, Victor, or the Rochester suburbs, while still maintaining strong ties to the farming community.
Community and Culture

East Bloomfield retains the feel of a tight-knit rural town. Community events often center on the seasons — summer festivals, autumn harvest celebrations, and winter holiday gatherings bring neighbors together. The Bloomfield Central School District serves the area, with athletic events and school concerts doubling as community gatherings.

The town also benefits from its proximity to the cultural offerings of Canandaigua (including the CMAC performing arts venue) and the recreational opportunities of the Finger Lakes.
Recreation and Natural Setting

The rolling countryside surrounding East Bloomfield offers abundant outdoor activities. Residents enjoy cycling along rural roads, hiking in nearby parks, and fishing or boating on Canandaigua Lake just a short drive away. In winter, Bristol Mountain Ski Resort is less than 20 minutes south.

The town’s location also makes it a natural stop for visitors exploring the Finger Lakes wine region — several wineries and craft breweries operate within a short drive, and agritourism is becoming a growing part of the local economy.
Transportation and Access

U.S. Route 20 and NY-5 provide a direct link east to Geneva and west toward Lima and Avon. NY-64 heads north to Victor, where access to the New York State Thruway (I-90) makes regional travel easy. Rochester is about 20 miles northwest, accessible in 30–40 minutes by car.