Old Stone House
Historical marker location:
Auburn, New York
( Marker is on U.S. 20, 1 mile west of New York State Route 326, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1983
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The first capital of the United States was actually located in New York City, from 1785 to 1790. The city also served as the temporary capital while Washington, D.C. was being built.
About Cayuga County
Cayuga County Timeline
Cayuga County, located in central New York, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was traditionally inhabited by the Iroquois Confederacy, with the Cayuga tribe being the dominant force in the region. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, leading to the establishment of Cayuga County in 1799.
During the early years of European settlement, Cayuga County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Erie Canal in the 1820s further fueled this growth, as it provided a vital transportation route for goods and people. The canal brought economic prosperity to the county, attracting industries and new settlers. Auburn, the county seat and largest city, became a prominent center of commerce and industry.
Cayuga County also played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and the fight against slavery. Auburn was the home of many prominent abolitionist leaders, including Harriet Tubman and William H. Seward. Tubman, an escaped slave herself, famously operated the Underground Railroad and helped free numerous enslaved people. The county's commitment to the abolitionist cause earned it the nickname "The Banner County of the Empire State."
In the 20th century, Cayuga County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The decline of the canal system and the rise of automobile travel led to a shift in the county's economy. Agriculture became less dominant, and industries such as manufacturing and tourism became more important. Today, Cayuga County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, charming small towns, and vibrant cultural scene.
During the early years of European settlement, Cayuga County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Erie Canal in the 1820s further fueled this growth, as it provided a vital transportation route for goods and people. The canal brought economic prosperity to the county, attracting industries and new settlers. Auburn, the county seat and largest city, became a prominent center of commerce and industry.
Cayuga County also played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and the fight against slavery. Auburn was the home of many prominent abolitionist leaders, including Harriet Tubman and William H. Seward. Tubman, an escaped slave herself, famously operated the Underground Railroad and helped free numerous enslaved people. The county's commitment to the abolitionist cause earned it the nickname "The Banner County of the Empire State."
In the 20th century, Cayuga County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The decline of the canal system and the rise of automobile travel led to a shift in the county's economy. Agriculture became less dominant, and industries such as manufacturing and tourism became more important. Today, Cayuga County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, charming small towns, and vibrant cultural scene.
Cayuga County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cayuga County, New York.
- 1789 - Cayuga County is established in the state of New York.
- 1800 - The town of Auburn is officially incorporated.
- 1807 - The Auburn State Prison, the first maximum security prison in the United States, opens.
- 1823 - Auburn Theological Seminary, later known as Auburn Seminary, is founded.
- 1833 - Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and political activist, escapes from slavery in Maryland and later settles in Auburn.
- 1857 - The Cayuga County Courthouse, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is completed.
- 1877 - The New York State Equal Rights Party, the first women's suffrage political party in the United States, is founded in Cayuga County.
- 1902 - Auburn Prison becomes the site of the first execution by electrocution using the electric chair.
- 1920 - The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote, is ratified.
- 1950s - Cayuga County experiences significant population growth and expansion of industries.
- 1980s - The Cayuga Indian Nation gains recognition and begins to assert land claims in the area.
- 2000 - The city of Auburn celebrates its bicentennial.