Seneca County, New York

1845 Seneca County Historic Court House Complex A Courageous Call for Equal Rights Agricultural College Amelia Bloomer American Civil War Memorial Anchors Aweigh Canoga Cemetery Canoga Creek Captain Charles B. Randolph Celebrating 100 Years of High School Education in Waterloo Civil War Memorial Coach Tom Coughlin Crusoe Island Dean's Cove Degory Prowtt Early History of Waterloo Elizabeth Cady Stanton First Convention For Woman’s Rights First Presbyterian Church of Seneca Falls First Woman’s Rights Convention Fourth Ward School Gar-Non-De-Yo General Lafayette General Murray Residence General Sullivan’s New York Campaign Trail General Sullivan’s New York Campaign Trail Honoring the Over 100 Dispossessed Families In Memory of Norman J. Gould Jets Go To War Ken-Dai-A Korean Veterans Memorial Memorial Day Military Route Mynderse Academy Old Baptist Church Old Genesee Stage Route Onward to the Vote Portal to Air Power Potter Inn Farm Presbyterian Church Red Jacket Revolutionary Soldiers Routes of the armies of General John Sullivan and General James Clinton Routes of the armies of General John Sullivan and General James Clinton Sampson Air Force Base Veterans Memorial Sampson Naval Training Base World War II Honored Dead Seneca Army Depot Site of Frisbie's Ferry Skoi-Yase Stanton's Busy World Stanton's Grassmere Strong Words Encourage Strong Convictions Suffrage Park Sullivan Trail Sullivan’s Forces T-2C Buckeye The Albert Cook Memorial The Beehive The Chamberlain House The Dempsey Building The Finger Lakes The Flats The Great Lighthouse The Historic Business District The Sampson State Park Experience The Scythe Tree The Stanton House: Shaping a Reformer The Village of Seneca Falls The Village of Seneca Falls Thomas R. Lounsbury Tillinghast Manor U. S. Naval Training Station & Center 1942-1946 U.S. Air Force Training Base Van Cleef Lake Veterans Memorial War Memorial War Memorial We Will Accomplish Wonders Welcome to Seneca Falls Welcome to Seneca Falls Wesleyan Methodist Chapel When Anthony Met Stanton Whitney's Landing William Watts Folwell Women's Rights National Historic Park - Hunt House Women's Rights National Historic Park - M'Clintock House Women's Rights National Park "A Very Pretty Indian Town of Ten Houses" "Passage"
Seneca County, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cayuga and the Seneca, who used the land for hunting and agriculture. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to move into the area, displacing the native population.

The county was officially established in 1804 and named after the Seneca people. It quickly became an important center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along the Seneca River and the Erie Canal. The opening of the canal in 1825 further boosted economic development, allowing for the transportation of goods to and from the Great Lakes, New York City, and beyond.

During the mid-19th century, Seneca County experienced a significant influx of German and Irish immigrants, who came seeking employment opportunities in the growing manufacturing and industrial sectors. The county became known for its flour mills, breweries, and textile factories. The population also grew with the construction of the Seneca Army Depot during World War II, which brought a surge of workers to the area.

In recent decades, Seneca County has faced economic challenges with the decline of traditional industries. However, the county remains a popular tourist destination, thanks to its picturesque landscapes, vibrant farm-to-table food scene, and numerous wineries and breweries. Today, Seneca County is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and a strong sense of community.
Brief timeline of the history of Seneca County, New York:

  • 1789: Seneca County is established as one of the original counties in the state of New York.
  • 1809: Construction of the Seneca Canal begins, connecting Seneca Lake to the Erie Canal.
  • 1817: The construction of the Seneca Canal is completed, facilitating transportation and trade in the region.
  • 1823: The village of Waterloo is incorporated, becoming the first village in Seneca County.
  • 1844: The First Women's Rights Convention is held in Seneca Falls, marking a significant event in the women's suffrage movement.
  • 1883: The Historic Seneca County Courthouse is built in Waterloo, serving as the seat of government for the county.
  • 1903: The Seneca Army Depot is established, becoming an important military installation during World War II and the Cold War.
  • 2015: The Seneca Meadows Landfill, one of the largest landfills in New York State, ceases operations after nearly 30 years.

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