Wyoming County, New York

1853-1925 1941 1945 In Honor and Memory Andrus Mill Pond Auditorium / Amphitheater Bishop William Burt Box Car #411 Caboose #303 Camp Wesley CCC Camp 76, SP 37 at Work CCC Statue Daniel Richards District #2 Schoolhouse Epworth Hall First Congregational Church of Perry Center First New York Dragoons. Volunteers. 1862-1865. First Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church Former Site of Gibsonville Gardeau Overlook Gardeau Tract Gardeau Tract Gardeau Tract Genesee Valley Canal Glacial History Historic Water Trough Hornby Lodge In Grateful Memory of William Pryor Letchworth In Memory of those Soldiers Java School No.1 LaGrange School Lemuel M. Wiles Life and Leisure in a CCC Camp Life in Lower Falls Camp 49 Locomotive #110 Lower Falls Camp SP-49 Mary Hosford Mary Jemison Nancy Jemison Log Cabin Old Burying Ground One Room School Pages of Geologic Time Pioneer Cabin Pioneer Cemetery Portage Bridge Richmond-Andrus Mill Site Robeson Cutlery Company Seh-Ga-Hun-Da Seth M. Gates House Sheppard Road Cemetery Silver Lake Mills of Perry Site of St Helena Camp 76, SP 37 Site of U.S. CCC Camp #1285 St. Helena St. Helena Plot Stony Brook Glen The Civilian Conservation Corps The Council Grounds Ca. 1907...and Under Restoration The Gaslight Village of, Wyoming 1809 The Lower Falls Footbridge The men of the Civilian Conservation Corps The Railroad High Bridge This Ancient Seneca Council House To the Memory of Mary Jemison Turner's Corners United Church of Christ, Congregational Warsaw's First House Welcome to Big Bend Camp 23, SP 5 Welcome to Letchworth State Park Welcome to the Seneca Council Grounds West Middlebury Baptist Church Whaley Tavern William Pryor Letchworth 1823 - 1910 Wolf Creek Wycoff Harvester Company Ziba Hamilton
Wyoming County, located in western New York, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Seneca and Tuscarora nations. They utilized the fertile land for hunting, fishing, and agriculture, forming a connection with the natural resources that still resonates today.

European settlers first arrived in the late 18th century, with the area officially becoming Wyoming County in 1841. The county derives its name from a Delaware Indian word meaning "large plains." Throughout the early years, the economy relied heavily on agriculture and timber, with farms and sawmills dotting the landscape.

One notable event in the county's history is the construction of the Genesee Valley Canal, which connected the Erie Canal to the southern parts of the state. This canal helped fuel economic growth and facilitated the transportation of goods across the county. However, the canal faced challenges with declining usage due to the rise of railroads, ultimately leading to its demise in the late 19th century.

Wyoming County has also experienced significant industrialization throughout its history. The discovery of natural gas in the late 19th century sparked an energy boom, leading to the establishment of gas wells and factories in the region. Today, the county continues to be an important center for agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

In summary, Wyoming County, NY has a diverse history that encompasses Native American settlements, early European colonization, agricultural development, canal transportation, industrialization, and the continued importance of agriculture and tourism to its economy.
Brief timeline of the history of Wyoming County, New York:

  • 1812: Wyoming County is officially established by the New York State Legislature.
  • 1836: Letchworth State Park, also known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is established in Wyoming County.
  • 1862: The first oil well in Wyoming County is drilled in the town of Arcade, leading to an oil boom in the area.
  • 1863: The Wyoming County Fair, one of the oldest county fairs in New York, begins its annual tradition.
  • 1944: Construction of the Perry-Warsaw Airport commences, serving as an important hub for aviation in the region.
  • 1970: The Attica Prison riot occurs, making national headlines and leading to significant changes in the prison system.
  • 1997: The Windmill Farm and Craft Market opens, becoming a popular attraction for tourists and locals.
  • 2010: Wyoming County experiences a population growth, with record numbers in agriculture and manufacturing.

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