[2] The town name is derived from the Chemung River, which means "big horn" in the Seneca language.

The region was destroyed by the Sullivan Expedition on August 13, 1779,[3] which fought at the Battle of Newtown, just west of the current town of Chemung.

Chemung lost territory when Tioga County was formed in 1791.

Chemung was incorporated in 1788 into Montgomery County, at the time of that town's formation.

Subsequently, the town of Chemung lost more territory to form all or parts of Erin (1822), Baldwin (1856), and Ashland (1867).

10, Dr. Hovey Everett House, and Riverside Cemetery are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

17.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.