Historical Markers in
Genesee County, New York

1800 Brick House 1963 Alexander Rea and Nancy Jones Rea Anti-Slavery Meetings Basom Plot Batavia Batavia Cemetery Benjamin Ellicott Bergen Museum Bergen Swamp Bergen Village Bethany Town Hall / Bethany World War II Memorial Birthplace of Emory Upton Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) - Endangered in New York Burial Ground Byron 1820 Byron Museum C.E. Housel Home Capt. Charles F. Rand Cary House Site Centennial Park Cobblestone School County Forest D.W. Airport DeWitt Recreation Area Restoration Dr. M. Townsend Early Cemetery East Boundary Elba Mucklands Feeder Canal First Jell-O Factory First Library First United Presbyterian Church Forest Stewardship at The Bethany Park Ganson Tavern General Ely Samuel Parker 1828-1895 Genesee County Genesee County Courthouse Herman Le Roy's Mill In Honor of Citizens Who Served in the World War In Honor of Our Boys Who Served in the World War In Honor of the Men Who Served in the Great War In Honor of Those Who Served in Vietnam In Memory of George F. Fleming In Memory of John Young In Memory of the Soldiers Sailors and Marines of Genesee County Ingham University Ingham University Campus Jos. Ellicott Joseph Ellicott Keeney House Le Roy Civil War Memorial Le Roy House Le Roy Post Office Le Roy World War I Memorial LeRoy Downtown Historic District Lewis Home Local War Hero Machpelah Cemetery Mail Delivery Marion Steam Shovel Memorial Honor Roll World War II Methodist Church Mina Griswold Morrot's Boulder Amusement Park Old Buffalo Road Cemetery Paolo Busti Monument Pioneer Cemetery Poor House Pottery & Drain Tile Factory Rolling Hills Roswell Parmelee Sacred to the Memory of Wm. Morgan Schafer Farms Seneca Indian Country Site of Cary Collegiate Seminary Site of First Permanent Settlement Site of Log School House Site of Mansion Site of the First School Stafford Village Four Corners Statue of Liberty Replica The Batavia Club The Holland Purchase The Jell-O Company The LeRoy House The Southworth The Steeple / The Church This Waterway To Honor To Honor All Veterans Who Sacrificed Their Lives To The Memory Town of Alabama Town of Batavia Town of Bergen Town of LeRoy Town of Pavilion Town of Pembroke Treaty of 1857 Underground Railroad Route Village of Bergen Ward Park Welcome to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Women’s Suffrage
The Erie Canal, which opened in 1825 and connects the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, was originally mocked as "Clinton's Folly" after Governor DeWitt Clinton, who championed the project. However, the canal became an economic boon for New York and helped turn the state into a major commercial center.
Genesee County, located in western New York State, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county was officially established in 1802 and named after the Genesee River, which flows through the region. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Seneca Nation.

In the early years of settlement, Genesee County developed rapidly due to its fertile land, abundant water resources, and access to transportation routes. The construction of the Erie Canal in the 1820s greatly facilitated trade and contributed to the county's prosperity. As a result, agriculture became the dominant industry, with crops such as wheat, corn, and oats being cultivated.

During the mid-19th century, Genesee County experienced a period of economic growth and urbanization. The county's largest city, Batavia, became a center for manufacturing and trade. Industries such as textiles, ironworks, and brewing flourished. Additionally, the county became an important stop on the Underground Railroad, assisting escaped slaves in their journey to freedom.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Genesee County underwent significant changes due to industrialization and technological advancements. Agriculture became more mechanized, leading to a decline in the number of small farms. Manufacturing and other industries diversified, with companies like Massey-Ferguson and Doehler-Jarvis establishing operations in the county. Today, Genesee County continues to be a vibrant community, known for its agriculture, recreational opportunities, and historic landmarks that reflect its rich history.

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

  • 1687 - Genesee County was part of the territory of the Iroquois Confederacy.
  • 1802 - The Holland Land Company purchased the land from the Native Americans.
  • 1803 - First settlement was established in the area by Joseph Ellicott.
  • 1806 - Genesee County was created from parts of Ontario County.
  • 1812-1815 - Genesee County played a significant role in the War of 1812.
  • 1823 - The Erie Canal was completed, bringing economic growth to the region.
  • 1836 - A section of Genesee County was used to create Wyoming County.
  • 1866 - The county seat was moved from Batavia to its current location in the City of Batavia.
  • 1900s - Genesee County became an important agricultural center, known for dairy farming.
  • 1956 - Construction of the New York State Thruway was completed, running through Genesee County.
  • Present - Genesee County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a rich historical heritage.