List of New York State Historic Markers in Schuyler County, New York facts for kids
New York State Historic Markers are special signs placed around the state. They tell us about important places, people, or events from the past. These markers help us learn about the history of Schuyler County, New York. This article shares some of these interesting markers found in the county.
Contents
Important People and Places
Jane A. Delano: A Nursing Hero
One important marker honors Jane A. Delano. She was born in Townsend on March 12, 1862. Jane Delano became the founder of the American Red Cross Nursing Service in 1909. Her work helped shape modern nursing and how we care for people in need. You can find her marker in front of the Grange Hall at Townsend.
Early Churches and Community Life
The Catharine M.E. Church marker tells us about the first church building in Schuyler County. It was built in 1807 in Catharine. This church was a very important place for the early community.
In Hector, you can find the First Presbyterian Church marker. This church was started in 1809. The building you see today was built in 1818. They have had a Sunday School running continuously since 1813!
Another church marker in Hector is for the Episcopal Parish. This church was dedicated in 1830 by Bishop Hobart. Its buildings and support came from gifts by Elizabeth Woodward.
Hon. Henry Fish: A Local Leader
The marker for Hon. Henry Fish is in Mecklenburg. His home was built between 1815 and 1820. Henry Fish was the first Assemblyman from Schuyler County in 1858. He was also the first Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. This shows his important role in setting up the county's government.
Underground Railroad: A Path to Freedom
Near Watkins Glen, there is a marker for the Underground Railroad. This marker tells us about Luther Leveland and his wife. They lived in Reading and helped enslaved people find shelter. They guided them on their journey to freedom in Canada. This shows a brave part of local history.
Early Settlements and Industries
First Settlers and Homes
The Early Settler marker north of Hector shows where one of the first cabins was located. In 1790, a survey found a cabin belonging to a "Masters" with twenty acres of cleared land here.
Another marker south of Hector points to the Site of Cabin of William Wyckham. He was the first settler in the Town of Hector in 1791. He was a direct descendant of the Earl of Wyckham.
In Burdett, a marker shows the Site of Oldest House in Town of Burdette. This old house was used as a tavern, a school, and even a Masonic Hall. It holds many interesting relics from the past.
Early Mills and Trade
The Samuel A. Seely marker north of Watkins Glen tells us about the first woolen mill in Schuyler County. Samuel A. Seely built it in 1801. This mill was important for making cloth.
The Saw Mill Creek marker in Hector marks the spot of the first saw mill in the area. Reuben Smith built it between 1795 and 1796. Sawmills were vital for cutting timber to build homes and other structures.
A Warehouse marker north of Watkins Glen highlights an important trade event. In 1823, a vessel loaded with 70 tons of wheat left this site. It reached New York City by traveling through the Erie Canal. This shows how local goods were transported to bigger markets.
Transportation and Trade Routes
The Ferry marker at Valois tells about a ferry service established in 1805. It connected Valois to Starkey across the lake. John Goodwin started it, and it was officially recognized by the state in 1820. Frank Wood was a pilot for this ferry from 1867 to 1897.
The Catherine's Landing marker in Montour Falls marks the first store and inn in the region. It was located here in 1805 at the head of lake navigation. This spot was a key trading point.
The First Road marker in Montour Falls tells about the first road in Schuyler County. It was built in June 1799. It went from the present Owega Street Bridge to Spencer and was known as the Catharine Spencer Turnpike.
The Sullivan-Clinton Campaign
Several markers in Schuyler County remember the Sullivan-Clinton Campaign of 1779. This was a military operation during the American Revolutionary War. General George Washington ordered this campaign to stop attacks by British and Native American forces in Western New York.
Military Routes and Camp Sites
Markers like Military Route in Hector and Burdett show the path the Sullivan-Clinton Army took. They marched against the British and Native Americans.
Many Camp Site markers in Hector show where different parts of the army camped on September 3, 1779:
- Gen. Hand's Light Corps Camp (on NYS 414 at Hector)
- Gen. Clinton's Camp (about 1 mile southwest of Hector)
- Gen. Maxwell's Brigade Camp (about 1 mile south of Hector)
- Gen. Poor's Brigade Camp (about 1/2 mile south of Hector)
Native American Villages and History
The Con-Daw-Haw marker at Valois points to the site of an Iroquois village. This village had cornfields, longhouses, and cabins. Sadly, General Sullivan's troops destroyed it on September 4, 1779.
The Preach Orchard marker in Hector (also known as Ga-di-odji-ya-da) was another Iroquois village site. General Sullivan's army camped here on September 3, 1779.
A marker in Tyrone points to the Site of Pre-historic Indian Village. This village is thought to be the oldest found in New York, possibly dating back to 1000 B.C. This shows how long people have lived in this area.
She-Qua-Ga: Tumbling Waters
The She-Qua-Ga marker on Genesee Street in Montour Falls refers to "Tumbling Waters." This is a beautiful waterfall. Around 1820, Louis Philippe, who later became King of France, made a sketch of this waterfall. That sketch is now in the famous Louvre Museum in Paris!
See also
