Railroads, photography equipment and cigar making were the town's major industries before 1900, but shoe manufacturing became the dominant enterprise in the early 20th century. Such high-tech corporations as Universal Instruments and Link Flight Simulation, which manufactures aerospace equipment, later came to the forefront. IBM established its first plant in nearby Endicott.
Gold- and onion-domed churches of various Eastern European cultures are found throughout Broome County. Binghamton also includes among its cultural assets a branch of the State University of New York. The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts at Binghamton University presents performing artists of national and international acclaim; phone (607) 662-7523. The Forum Theatre on Washington Street hosts cultural productions; phone (607) 778-2480.
The Binghamton area has six antique, wood-carved carousels that visitors can ride from Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting). George F. Johnson, who donated the carousels to local parks, stipulated that the municipalities never charge a fee for a ride. The carousels are at C. Fred Johnson Park in Johnson City; George W. Johnson Park in Endicott; Highland Park in Endwell; Recreation Park in Binghamton; Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park; and West Endicott Park in Endicott.
Visitor Centers
Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce 49 Court St., 2nd floor Binghamton, NY 13902-0995. Phone:(607)772-8860 or (800)836-6740
Shopping
Oakdale Mall, 3 miles west on Harry L Drive (SR 17 exit 70N), has Burlington and JCPenney among its 126 stores. Kohl's anchors Parkway Plaza, on SR 434 at SR 17 exit 70S. Clinton Street's Antique Row, off SR 17 exit 72, attracts antique enthusiasts.
Things to Do
Ross Park ZooThe Discovery Center of the Southern Tier