List of New York State Historic Markers in Tioga County, New York
New York State Historic Markers are special signs that tell us about important places and events in history. They help us learn about the past right where it happened! Tioga County, New York, has many of these markers. They share stories about early settlers, brave soldiers, old buildings, and even ancient trails. Let's explore some of these fascinating historical spots.
Contents
Historic Markers in Tioga County
These markers help us discover the rich history of Tioga County. Each one tells a unique story about the people and events that shaped this area.
Exploring History in Barton
The town of Barton has several markers that highlight its early days.
Carantoaun
This marker is near Waverly. It points to Spanish Hill, a place where an early explorer named Etienne Brûlé visited in 1615. He was a scout for Samuel de Champlain and was the first known European explorer to reach this region. Imagine exploring new lands so long ago!
Ellis Creek
Located east of Waverly, this marker honors Ebenezer Ellis. He was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. In 1787, he became a pioneer, settling in this forested area. The community that grew here was even named Ellistown after him.
Maughantowano
Further east of Waverly, this spot marks where American soldiers, Sawyer and Cowley, camped in 1779. They were with four Native American captives. They were on their way to the British lines during the Revolutionary War.
Shepard Tavern
In West Waverly, you can find the site of the Shepard Tavern. This important building was built around 1816 by John Shepard. His son, Isaac Shepard, made it bigger in 1825. Sadly, the tavern was destroyed by fire in 1853.
The First Grist Mill
At the north end of Waverly, a marker shows where the first grist mill on Cayuta Creek stood. George Walker built this mill soon after 1800. It was very important for the community, grinding grain for about 100 years.
Discovering Candor's Past
The town of Candor also has interesting historical markers.
James McMaster
Near the village of Candor, a marker remembers James McMaster. He was a pioneer and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. In 1788, he was granted a large piece of land called "McMaster's Half Township." He is buried nearby.
Line of Ithaca & Owego R.R.
In the village of Candor, a marker tells about the Ithaca and Owego Railroad. This railroad was started in 1828 and was only the second one chartered in New York State. For its first six years, horses pulled the trains!
Newark Valley's Historical Gems
Newark Valley holds stories of old trees and families.
By Tradition This Maple Tree
In the village of Newark Valley, there's a marker about a special maple tree. People believe this tree was marked in 1786. It was saved when an old Native American trail was made wider to become a wagon road.
Wade Farm
Southwest of Newark Valley village, you'll find the Wade Farm marker. Lewis Wade bought this farm in 1833. He was a musician and fought in the War of 1812. His family, including William, Edgar O., and Floyd E. Wade, owned and worked the farm for many years.
Nichols: A Glimpse into the Past
The town of Nichols has markers about churches, roads, and land grants.
Asbury Church
West of Nichols village, a marker points to the Asbury Church. This church was built between 1822 and 1823. Its society was formed in 1818 by Reverend John Griffing and early members like the Shoemaker family.
Before 1800 This Road Led
At Lounsberry, a marker shows where a road led to a ferry. Before 1800, this road went to a ferry across the Susquehanna River to Tioga Center. John Decker and Gideon Cortright, a Revolutionary War soldier, operated this ferry.
Coxe's Manor
West of Owego, a marker tells about Coxe's Manor. This was a huge area of 31,470 acres along the Susquehanna Valley. The King of England granted this land to Daniel Coxe and his friends on January 15, 1775.
Lounsberry
Also at Lounsberry, this marker explains that the area was once called Canfield Corners. Benjamin Lounsberry settled here in 1793. Ezra Canfield was the first postmaster.
Owego: A Hub of History
Owego, both the town and village, is rich with historical markers.
1828 Old Academy Building
On Court Street in Owego village, a marker stands on the site of the first schoolhouse. This log school was built around 1797. Later, the Old Academy Building was built here in 1828.
A Log House
On West Front Street in Owego village, a marker shows where the first permanent building in this part of the valley stood. James McMaster and his group built this log house in 1785.
Campville
East of Owego village, you'll find Campville. This place was named after Colonel Asa Camp. He was a Revolutionary War soldier who settled here in 1800. He also ran the first tavern in the area.
First Sawmill
At the west end of Owego village, a marker shows where the first sawmill was. James McMaster and Amos Draper built it before 1791. It stood just above the bridge there.
First Tavern
On Church Street in Owego village, a marker tells about Owego's first tavern. Captain Luke Bates built it in 1795. The very first town meeting was held in this tavern.
Here the Indian Trail
On Front Street in Owego village, a marker shows where an important Native American trail met another. The trail from Cayuga Lake joined the Susquehanna Trail here. These paths were used long before Europeans arrived.
Isaac Harris
At the south end of Apalachin, a marker remembers Isaac Harris. He settled here in 1786. In 1790, he went to Philadelphia. There, he helped secure "squatters rights" for settlers from the owners of Coxe's Manor.
Ithaca-Owego R.R.
In Owego village, a marker for the Ithaca-Owego Railroad notes it was the second railroad chartered in New York State. It started on June 28, 1828. The tracks crossed the village park and ended at the site of Ahwaga Park.
Jas. McMaster
Another marker in Owego village tells that James McMaster was granted the western half of the township in 1788. This is the site of the present-day village of Owego.
Nicholas Delaware Warrior
Near the Erie Railroad crossing in Owego village, a marker honors Nicholas. He was a Delaware warrior and a successful farmer among the early settlers. His wife gave her name to Squaw Island, and he claimed this flat land.
Owageo Indian Village
At the north end of the bridge over the Susquehanna River in Owego village, a marker tells about Owageo. This was a Native American village. It was burned on August 19, 1779, by General Clinton's forces. They were on their way to join General Sullivan during the Revolutionary War.
Owego Birthplace of Erie
Near the Erie Railroad crossing in Owego village, a marker celebrates Owego as the "Birthplace of Erie." A meeting was held here on December 20, 1831. Its goal was to help get the charter for the New York and Erie Railroad.
Owego & Ithaca Turnpike
At the north end of Owego village, a marker tells about the Owego & Ithaca Turnpike. This road was started in 1807. It helped northern settlements get their goods to markets in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Owego Female Seminary
On NYS 17C in Owego village, a marker tells about the Owego Female Seminary. Juliette M. Camp opened it in 1828. Later, in 1843, it became the Owego Female Institute, led by Professor and Mrs. Joseph M. Ely.
Tavern - 1831
On County Road at Apalachin, a marker points to a tavern built in 1831. Pioneer merchant Ransom Steele built it. The Barnaby Academy was located here for several years during the American Civil War.
Toll Bridge
At the south end of the bridge over the Susquehanna River, a marker tells the story of the Owego bridge. A toll bridge built in 1828 was washed away by a flood in 1867. A new trestle bridge was built in 1868. The village bought it in 1881, and a steel bridge was put up in 1893.
Richford's Historical Markers
Richford has markers about early plans for a city and important community buildings.
Dunhamville
South of Richford village, a marker tells about Dunhamville. This was an idea for an "Experimental City State" proposed in 1828. William Dunham, a merchant, was the first postmaster and supervisor of Richford.
Early Turnpike
At the intersection of NYS 38 and 79 in Richford village, a marker talks about an early turnpike. In 1797, a commission was formed "To Lay Out The Road Leading From Catskill Landing To Catherinestown In The County Of Tioga."
First Church
On NYS 38 in Richford village, a marker tells about the first church. It was organized in 1821 and built in 1823 by Puritan settlers. It was rebuilt in 1854, and its original bell is still used today!
Public Square
Near the Erie Railroad crossing in Owego village (but the marker refers to Richford), this marker tells about the Public Square. Pioneers Ezek. Rich and Stephen Wells gave this land to the Town of Richford on October 9, 1821.
Site of The Old Abbey
On NYS 38 in Richford village, a marker shows the site of "The Old Abbey." Samuel Smith built it in 1813 and ran a tavern there. The Richford Post Office was also established here in 1830.
Spencer: A Former County Seat
The town of Spencer has a marker about its important past.
Spencer Was The County Seat
On NYS 34 in Spencer village, a marker tells that Spencer was the county seat (the main town for government) of Tioga County from 1811 to 1822. The old courthouse stood on this lot, but it was destroyed by fire in 1821.
See also
