National Register Listing

Earlville Opera House

a.k.a. Douglass Opera House

12-20 E. Main St., Earlville, NY
Local significance of the building:
Entertainment/recreation; Architecture; Social History; Performing Arts

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

entertainment recreation architecture social history performing arts houses residential buildings
The Adirondack Park, which covers more than six million acres in upstate New York, is the largest park in the contiguous United States. It was established in 1892 and contains more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails.
New York random facts
Chenango County is located in central New York State and has a rich history dating back to its early settlement by European colonizers in the late 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Iroquois Confederacy, specifically members of the Oneida and Tuscarora tribes.

In 1791, Chenango County was officially formed when it split off from Herkimer County. The county was named after the Chenango River, which flows through the area. The first settlement in the county was made in 1784 by a group of pioneers led by Colonel William Butler and Lieutenant Colonel John Lincklaen, who saw the area's potential for agriculture and trade.

During the 19th century, Chenango County experienced a period of rapid growth and development. The construction of the Chenango Canal in the 1830s played a significant role in boosting the local economy by facilitating trade and transportation. The county became known for its agricultural production, particularly in areas such as dairy farming and fruit cultivation.

In the late 1800s, Chenango County saw its industrial sector flourish, with the establishment of manufacturing industries such as textiles, shoes, and furniture. Towns like Norwich and Greene became centers of industry and commerce. The county also saw advancements in education, with the founding of Colgate University in Hamilton in 1817 and the establishment of other educational institutions throughout the area.

Today, Chenango County retains its agricultural heritage while embracing modern industries such as healthcare, education, and tourism. The county offers a blend of rural charm and historical significance, with numerous landmarks and cultural attractions that celebrate its past. From the Chenango County Historical Society to the annual Chenango County Fair, the region continues to honor its history while looking towards the future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Chenango County, New York.

  • 1788 - Chenango County is established by New York State legislation.
  • 1791 - The village of Oxford is founded.
  • 1795 - Norwich is established as the county seat.
  • 1806 - The first courthouse is built in Norwich.
  • 1812 - Chenango Canal is completed, connecting the county to the Erie Canal.
  • 1847 - The Chenango County Agricultural Society is formed.
  • 1853 - The Utica, Chenango, and Susquehanna Valley Railroad opens.
  • 1870 - The Chenango County Fair is first held.
  • 1908 - Chenango County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1935 - Chenango Valley State Park is established.
  • 1975 - Earlville Opera House is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1997 - The Chenango County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2010 - Sherburne Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.