National Register Listing

Church Street-Congress Street Historic District

Roughly bounded by S. Main, Church, Park and Congress Sts., Moravia, NY
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Exploration/settlement; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

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.

New York State was home to several utopian communities in the 19th century, including the Oneida Community in central New York, which practiced communal living and free love, and the Shakers, who were known for their furniture and craftsmanship.
New York random facts
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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history 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.