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Historic treasures are the cornerstone of the Finger Lakes family experience. From early pioneer settlements to pivotal Revolutionary War battles, a young nation started here. It followed the building of the Erie Canal moving America westward. Today you’ll find this heritage richly preserved in town after town—you’ll find constant reminders of the Erie Canal and see the evidence of its legacy
Civil rights and religious freedom found more than a heartbeat here, they were here, and still are. You can learn of and celebrate the freedoms won, from women’s suffrage in Seneca Falls at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the National Women’s Hall of Fame, to many of the final, most important stops of the underground railroad where southern slaves found aid in their flight for freedom.
There were many “firsts” here like Clara Barton’s American Red Cross Chapter Number One in Dansville and Pleasant Valley Wine Company in Hammondsport which holds the title of “US Bonded Winery #1.” Many are a part of Americana, like the first film with sound in Auburn, and the first community to celebrate Memorial Day—Waterloo.
Historic sites include Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, featuring 9 theme gardens and a mansion tour, and the 1890 House in Cortland that resembles a castle with many interior Tiffany touches. Take in one of the finest farm estates of its day, Rose Hill Mansion in Geneva, an 1839 Greek-revival mansion. Or visit Mark Twain’s study in Elmira where he wrote Huck Finn and other well known stories.
For a comprehensive look at the history of the Finger Lakes region, visit Genesee Country Village and Museum with over 50 buildings moved to the site from all over the area. Authentically costumed craftspeople and tour guides in each of the buildings take you back to an earlier time.
Come and visit some of the finest museums spread across the region. These include such history rich sites as Ganondagan at Victor giving a look at native American history; the Sodus Point Lighthouse Museum on Sodus Bay; the Glenn Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport featuring the life works of Curtiss, including the first plane to land on water; the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center and the National Soaring Museum in the Elmira area; the Corning Museum of Glass and the four museums of Historic Palmyra (Alling Coverlet Museum, Palmyra Historic Museum, Wm. Phelps General Store and the Print Shop) located in Palmyra, NY where the Mormon religion was founded.
Finger Lakes Counties Information...
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