List of New York State Historic Markers in Ontario County, New York facts for kids
Ontario County in New York State is full of amazing history! All around the county, you can find special signs called historic markers. These markers tell us about important places, events, and people from the past. They help us learn about how the area grew, from early Native American villages to pioneer settlements and big discoveries.
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Discovering Ontario County's Past
Ontario County has many historic markers that share its rich history. These markers help us imagine what life was like long ago. They point out places where important things happened or where famous people lived. Let's explore some of these fascinating spots!
Early Settlements and Pioneer Life
Many markers tell stories about the first people who settled in Ontario County.
Canandaigua's Beginnings
In Canandaigua, you can find markers about its early days. The Phelps-Gorham Purchase marker reminds us of the first land office in Western New York, set up in 1789. This was a huge step in settling the area! Another marker tells about the Canandaigua Academy, which was one of the first schools in the region, started in 1795. Imagine going to school there over 200 years ago!
The Site of Pioneer Home Capt. Jasper Parrish marks where an important person lived. Jasper Parrish was captured by Native Americans for six years when he was young. Later, he became a government interpreter, helping different groups understand each other. He settled in Canandaigua in 1792.
Naples: A Town with Many Names
The town of Naples has a fun history with its name! Markers there explain that Naples was founded in 1789 on the site of an old Seneca village called Nundawao. It was first known as Watkinstown, then Middletown in 1796 because it was halfway between Canandaigua and Bath. Finally, on April 6, 1808, it was officially named Naples.
Richmond's First Families
In Richmond, you can learn about the first settlers. The Nearby Is The Site Of Pioneer Home Capt. Peter Pitts marker tells us about the very first person to settle in the Town of Richmond. His son, Gideon Pitts, built the impressive Pitts Mansion in 1821, which you can still see today. Another marker points to the Old Reed Homestead, the first brick house in Richmond, built in 1803 by Philip Reed.
Victor's Early Buildings
Victor also has markers about its early buildings. The Ezra Wilmarth marker shows where a stagecoach inn opened on Christmas Day in 1815. Soldiers from the War of 1812 even gathered there! The Fisher Homestead is the oldest house in Fishers, built in 1811 by Charles Fisher, who the area is named after. And Park Place, built in 1813 by Simeon Parks, was once on a famous plank road.
Important People and Discoveries
Some markers celebrate individuals who made a big difference or point to unique natural features.
Elizabeth Blackwell: A Medical Pioneer
In Geneva, a marker at the Site Of Geneva Medical College celebrates a truly special moment in history. In 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell received her medical degree here. She was the first woman ever to earn a medical doctor (MD) degree in the United States! This was a huge step for women in medicine.
Marcus Whitman: Oregon Pioneer
The town of Gorham has a marker for Marcus Whitman. He was born there in 1802. Marcus Whitman became a famous missionary, patriot, and colonizer in the Oregon Territory, helping to settle the American West.
Smith Observatory: Stargazing Discoveries
Also in Geneva, the Smith Observatory marker tells us about a place once famous worldwide. This observatory was known for the amazing discoveries made by its director, Dr. William R. Brooks, who was a famous astronomer.
Fossil Tree in Naples
Nature lovers will find the Fossil Tree marker in Naples interesting. It points to a spot where a fossilized Devonian tree trunk was found in Grimes Creek. This ancient tree trunk is now displayed in the State Museum, showing us what the area was like millions of years ago!
Burning Springs: A Natural Wonder
In Bristol, the Burning Springs marker describes a natural gas vent. This spot was charted on the earliest maps of North America after explorer La Salle visited in 1669. The escaping natural gas would burn, which was a mystery to visitors long ago!
Native American and Military History
Ontario County was home to Native American nations and saw important military events.
Seneca Villages and Jesuit Missions
In Geneva, the Ganechstage marker shows the site of a Seneca village and a Jesuit mission for Native Americans, established in 1687. Another marker near Geneva, Site Of Kanadesaga, marks the chief castle of the Seneca Nation. This important village was destroyed in 1779 during General John Sullivan's raid, a military campaign during the American Revolutionary War.
The Sullivan-Clinton Expedition
The Military Route marker in Richmond tells about the path taken by the Sullivan-Clinton Army in 1779. This army campaigned against the British and their Native American allies in Western New York during the Revolutionary War.
Tory Quarters
In Geneva, along Seneca Lake, the Tory Quarters marker points to the site of a military supply depot. This depot was under the command of Colonel John Butler and was also destroyed in September 1779 during the Sullivan Expedition.
Seneca Trail
In Victor, the Seneca Trail marker shows where an ancient trail once ran. This trail was used by the French army of Denonville in 1687 and was a place where friendly Native American followers of the trail were welcomed.
Religious History
Some markers highlight significant religious sites.
Hill Cumorah: A Mormon Landmark
In Manchester, the Hill Cumorah marker is a very important site for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). They believe that in 1827, Joseph Smith received the Book of Mormon here. There are also "Arrow" markers pointing to this famous hill and the Angel Moroni Monument nearby.
First Church in Naples
The First Church marker in Naples' Village Park tells us about the "First Religious Compact of Middletown 1800," which was organized on that spot. The church building itself was constructed in 1824.
These historic markers are like outdoor history books, each telling a small but important part of Ontario County's story. Next time you're exploring, keep an eye out for these special signs!
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