Seneca County has a rich and diverse history.  The villages of Waterloo and Seneca Falls were established along the Seneca River, which connected Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.  The waterway was expanded to create the Cayuga-Seneca Canal in the early 1800s.  With access to plentiful water resources, industry flourished along this corridor.  Many of those industries have served unique and critical roles in the growth of America.

These centers for development also served as gathering places for discussion and advocacy for human rights.  The first Women's Rights Convention was held at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls in 1848.  Many of these activitsts were also involved with the Underground Railroad.  The Women's Rights National Historic Park and the Convention Days Celebration held each July remember the movement.  The National Women's Hall of Fame, also located in Downtown Seneca Falls, celebrates outstanding women and their accomplishments from throughout history, up to the modern day.

Waterloo is recognized as the Birthplace of Memorial Day.  In May, 1866, the Village was decorated and ceremonies held in memory of soldiers who had died in the Civil War.  In 1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a Proclamation recognizing Waterloo as the Birthplace of Memorial Day.  The National Memorial Day Museum examines the people and circumstances surrounding this event, and the Celebrate Commemorate festivities held each Memorial Day weekend keep the tradition alive.

More interesting stories and sites are located throughout the county, such as the Naval and Air Force Museums at Sampson State Park and the Peter Whitmer Farm in Waterloo, of significance to people of Mormon faith.

Enrich your understanding of the past by visiting a museum or historic site, or exploring the architecture of a notable mansion.

For more information, contact Mr. Gable at
315-539-1700 or wgable@co.seneca.ny.us.

 
Heritage & Culture