Historical Markers in
Schuyler County, New York

At Watkins Glen Catherine's Landing Chemung Canal Con-Daw-Haw Early Settler Ferry First Presbyterian Church Gen. Hand's Light Corps General Clinton's Brigade General Maxwell's Brigade General Poor's Brigade Hon. Henry Fish Homestead Honoring Our Naval Veterans James A. Shepard Montour Falls Montour Falls Memorial Library Oldest House Peach Orchard Saw Mill Creek She-Qua-Ga Site of Catharine's Town The Original Watkins Glen Circuit The Present Watkins Glen Circuit Tyrone Roll of Honor Underground Railroad Warehouse Watkins Glen State Park Wayne Baptist Church William Wickham Woolen Mill
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The Historical Atlas of New York City, Third Edition: A Visual Celebration of 400 Years of New York City's History Paperback – June 28, 2016
The Historical Atlas of New York City

When I think of New York state, I think of breathtaking landscapes, small-town charm, and friendly communities.
Kate Hudson in Glamour Magazine
Schuyler County, NY, located in the Finger Lakes region, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Iroquois Confederacy, who had established settlements and practiced agriculture in the region.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and natural beauty. The region became part of a larger land purchase from the Iroquois known as the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. The first settlers established small farming communities, and the area gradually grew in population.

One significant event in the county's history is the construction of the Chemung Canal, which opened in 1833. This canal connected the Erie Canal with Seneca Lake, allowing for the transportation of goods and boosting the local economy. The canal played a crucial role in the development of towns like Montour Falls and Watkins Glen, turning them into thriving trading hubs.

In more recent history, Schuyler County has become known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The establishment of Watkins Glen State Park in 1906 drew tourists from far and wide, attracted by the park's stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. Today, the county continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like boating, fishing, and wine tasting along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

Throughout its history, Schuyler County has experienced both periods of growth and challenges. However, its natural resources, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage have helped shape it into the vibrant community it is today.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Schuyler County, New York.

  • 1789: Schuyler County was established as a part of Steuben County.
  • 1798: Cataract Purchase Treaty ceded the land to the United States from the Iroquois Nation.
  • 1814: The County was officially founded and named after Philip Schuyler, a distinguished American statesman.
  • 1819: Hector Township was organized and became the first of nine townships in the County.
  • 1854: Cayuta Township, the last township, was formed in Schuyler County.
  • 1892: Construction of the first Watkins Glen State Park trail began.
  • 1900: The village of Watkins Glen was officially incorporated.
  • 1948: The Glen Curtiss Memorial Bridge was built over Seneca Lake.
  • 1973: The Village of Montour Falls became the county seat.
  • 2000: The population of Schuyler County reached its peak at 19,224 residents.