National Register Listing

Woodlawn Cemtery and Woodlawn National Cemetery

Walnut and Davis Sts., West Hill and Bancroft Rds., Elmira, NY
Local significance of the site:
Community Planning And Development; Landscape Architecture; Military

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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.

gravesites
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
Chemung County, located in upstate New York, has a rich history that spans several centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the Native American tribes, particularly the Cayuga and the Seneca, who inhabited the region before the arrival of European settlers. The area was subsequently colonized by the British in the 18th century, and there were several skirmishes between the colonizers and Native American groups during the French and Indian War. However, after the American Revolution, the Native American population was progressively displaced.

In the early 19th century, Chemung County experienced significant growth with the construction of the Chemung Canal, which connected the state's southern and northern regions. This canal played a crucial role in stimulating trade and attracting settlers to the area. The county was officially established in 1836, named after the Chemung River that runs through it.

During the mid-19th century, the region became a hub for manufacturing and transportation, with industries such as railroads, lumber, and textiles flourishing. The arrival of the railroad expanded economic opportunities, making Chemung County an important transportation center for the region. The county's largest city, Elmira, emerged as a prosperous industrial center and a key hub on the Erie Railroad line.

In the 20th century, Chemung County experienced its fair share of challenges and successes. It played a significant role during World War II, with the Elmira Correctional Facility being used as a training camp for soldiers. The county continued to thrive with the growth of various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Today, Chemung County remains an important part of the Southern Tier region, with a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage.

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

  • 1779 - Chemung County is settled by European American settlers.
  • 1788 - Chemung County becomes part of Montgomery County.
  • 1791 - Chemung County becomes part of Tioga County.
  • 1836 - Chemung County is established as a separate county.
  • 1854 - The City of Elmira is incorporated in Chemung County.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Elmira serves as a Union Army camp and the site of a prisoner-of-war camp.
  • 1968 - The Chemung County Historical Society is founded.
  • 2002 - The Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, an aerospace museum, opens in Elmira.