Messina Springs, New York facts for kids
Messina Springs was once a small community located northwest of what is now East Syracuse, New York. It was settled in the early 1800s around several special mineral springs. These springs were found east of Syracuse, New York, right where James Street and Thompson Road meet.
James Street was an important road back then. It connected Syracuse to Messina and Manlius Center from east to west. Thompson Road was also a key road, running north to south in eastern Onondaga County. It was special because it had the first bridge east of Syracuse that crossed over the famous Erie Canal at a place called Headson's Landing.
The Healing Springs
People believed the waters from the Messina Springs had special healing powers. Because of this, many visitors came to the area, hoping to feel better. This made Messina Springs a popular spot, especially in the late 1800s.
A Popular Resort
At its peak, Messina Springs had a spa where people could relax and try the waters. There was also a large hotel for visitors to stay, a casino for entertainment, and even a race track for horse racing. It was a lively place where people came for health and fun.
Decline and Disappearance
However, by the early 1900s, the excitement for "healing waters" started to fade. Messina Springs became less popular and began to decline. Around 1913, a big fire destroyed the hotel and the casino, which were the heart of the community.
Today, almost nothing is left of the old Messina Springs community. The only thing that remains is a small cemetery. You can find it on James Street, just west of Thompson Road. Records of the people buried there are available online if you are interested in local history.
