Penn Yan

Penn Yan

Penn Yan’s first home was built in 1799 and the village was incorporated in 1833. It lies at the north end of the east branch of Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. Penn Yan is the county seat of Yates County and has a current population of approximately 5,200.

Penn Yan, the name of the village, is said to have been contrived from the first syllables of “Pennsylvania” and “Yankee”, as most of the early settlers were from Pennsylvania and New England.

Penn Yan Boat Company was founded in 1921 by German immigrant Charles A. Herrman. It produced wooden and glass-fiber boats until 2001. Also, Penn Yan, New York is home to one of the oldest mills in the United States, The Birkett Mills, founded in 1797. Birkett Mills was once the World Record Holder for the Largest Buckwheat Pancake.

Penn Yan and Yates Country as a whole has a large Mennonite population that began in 1974. Many families of the Groffdale Conference Mennonite Church moved to Yates County from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, seeking cheaper farmland. The Yates County Old Order Mennonites settlement is the largest horse-and-buggy community in the State of New York.

Today, The Village of Penn Yan is flourishing with agricultural and business opportunities. As well as access to Keuka Lake and the surrounding area. If you are looking to enjoy your youth, raise a family, or retire Penn Yan is the perfect place.