Historical Marker

Corning Free Academy

Historical marker location:
11 West 3rd Street, Corning, New York
( Marker is at the intersection of 3rd Street and Pine Street, on the right when traveling west on 3rd Street.)

circa 1922

Audiobooks about the history of New York.
The oldest standing lighthouse in New York State is the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was completed in 1796 and is located on the eastern tip of Long Island. It is also the fourth-oldest active lighthouse in the United States.
New York random facts
Steuben County, located in the Western part of New York State, has a rich and diverse history. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Seneca Nation, who were later displaced by European settlers. In the late 18th century, pioneers arrived in the region and began to establish settlements.

The county was officially formed in 1796 and named after Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. Steuben County quickly grew in population and became an important agricultural and trading center. The construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century further spurred growth and development in the area.

During the Civil War, Steuben County sent a significant number of soldiers to fight for the Union Army. The county also played a role in the Underground Railroad, providing a route for slaves escaping to freedom in Canada. The industrial revolution in the late 19th century led to the establishment of factories and mills in the county, contributing to its economic prosperity.

In the 20th century, Steuben County continued to evolve. The region became a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic landscapes, charming towns, and recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Today, Steuben County is a mix of rural and urban areas, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county has preserved its historical heritage through the restoration of old buildings and the establishment of museums and historical societies.

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

  • 1789 - Steuben County is established as a county in the state of New York.
  • 1796 - Bath is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1804 - Steuben County's population reaches 3,797.
  • 1810 - The first tavern is established in Bath.
  • 1813 - The county experiences its first murder trial.
  • 1823 - The Erie Canal is completed, improving transportation and stimulating economic growth in the county.
  • 1836 - The village of Corning is incorporated.
  • 1853 - The first railroad, the New York and Erie Railroad, reaches Hornellsville in Steuben County.
  • 1892 - The New York State Soldiers' and Sailors' Home is established in Bath.
  • 1920 - The population of Steuben County reaches its peak of 132,752.
  • 1936 - The Civilian Conservation Corps opens a camp in Steuben County, providing employment during the Great Depression.
  • 1957 - The Corning Museum of Glass opens in Corning, becoming a major attraction in the region.
  • 1972 - The Steuben County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1991 - The Corning Incorporated headquarters open in the city of Corning.