New York, Wyoming County, Genesee Falls
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Replaces largest wooden bridge in the world. Built in 1852. 300 acres of timber used in construction. Burned in 1875.
(Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars) Includes location, directions, 11 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
Replaces largest wooden bridge in the world. Built in 1852. 300 acres of timber used in construction. Burned in 1875.(Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars) Includes location, directions, 11 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
Born a slave in Virginia, Burns escaped from servitude in 1854 and fled to Boston, where he was arrested under the Fugitive Slave act of 1850. Abolitionists came to his defence and serious riots ensued. This was the last trial of a fugitive slave in Massachusetts. Four months after his return to his owner in Virginia, he was sold to a North Carolina planter. However, in 1855 Burns was ransomed with money raised by the Rev. L.A.Grimes of Boston, and began studies at Oberlin College, Ohio. Burns came to Canada about 1860 where he served as pastor of Zion Baptist Church in St. Catharines. He is buried in this cemetery.
The present Sardinia Town Hall was the first Baptist Church in the area, built in 1829, dedicated in 1830. It was instrumental in later organization of churches in Arcade, Holland and Chaffee.
About 250 feet east of here was the eastern terminus of the Springville and Sardinia R. R., a narrow gauge railroad operating in the 1870's - 80's. Largely responsible for the development of Chaffee.
Pioneer outpost 1804 on Indian trail from Portage to Lake Erie
The first person to be buried on this land was a sailor known simply as Brooks. that year, 1855, when the land was still known only as Potter's Fields, seven others were also buried, beginning the establishment of St. Catharines' largest and most historically significant cemetery.
Land conveyed from Russell estate, March 31, 1835 for school. 1850 building used until 1967 when this was the last N.Y. State Common School district to be closed. Town of Wales acquired property in 1968.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1958 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act for "...use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other purpose, for migratory birds." The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the approximately 10.818 acres of freshwater marshes, hardwood swamps, woods, forests, pastures, and meadows as wildlife habitat for a variety of animals. It is part of a nationwide network of lands and waters set aside to benefit wildlife. Ducks and Canada geese, as well as many other migratory birds, nest on Iroquois Refuge. Most, however, use it as a resting, staging and feeding area during spring and fall migration. Still other species of birds, as well as mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians live on the Refugee year-round.
Here, nature, history, and adventure intertwine to create a fascinating piece place like no other. The park was founded by philanthropist William Pryor Letchworth in 1907, when he donated his 1,000 acre estate to become a park. Today the park, which has grown to over 14,500 acres, is 17 miles long and surrounds and protects the three canyons of the Genesee River. Known as the 'Grand Canyon of the East,' here, you will experience some of New York's most magnificent scenery. Explore the park's lush forests and breathtaking gorge cliffs, which plummet almost 600 feet to the roaring rapids of the Genesee River. Marvel at the rainbows that appear in the mist over a 107-foot waterfall at the lovely Glen Iris Inn. Learn about the region's rich heritage and legendary Mary Jemison at the William Pryor Letchworth Museum and the Council Grounds. Discover the park's fascinating geological history, Civil War monument, and the impressive Mt. Morris Dam, built by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
Towering 234 feet above the Genesee River and stretching 800 feet from end to end, the original wooden railroad trestle provided William Pryor Letchworth with his first view (in 1858) of the gorge and waterfalls that were to become part of his 1,000-acre estate. The original High Bridge was finished in 1852 and was constructed of a million board feet of lumber from the surrounding hillsides. It was built so that any one of its timbers could be removed for repair without weakening the bridge.
Near this spot, Robert Whaley built the first log cabin in the Town of Castile in 1808.
Honor Roll
Honoring the residents of the Borough of Somerville who served in the armed forces during World War II. This plaque is in memory of those who gave their lives in the service of their country. 1941 - 1945.
Tunison's Tavern C.1748 was located here, making this the site of the oldest continuing business in Somerville. Some of George Washington's troops stayed at Tunison's during the 1778-79 Winter encampment. The tavern and the hotel that replaced it served as a stage coach stop.
The people's reading room and library was formally established in 1871. The library had several locations until George W. Post, architect of the New York Stock Exchange, designed this neoclassical building expressly for it. Later incorporated as Somerville's free library in 1912. It remained here until 1928.
Historic Building
A false front commercial structure built after the 1882 Water Street fire. The building was constructed as a combination saloon and rooming house.
Has been designated a
Displaced from their reservation land on both sides of the Rappahannock River at Nanzattico and Portobago Bay, Nanzattico Indians attacked the farm of John Rowley, known for his disputes with the tribe, on 29 Aug. 1704. When captured in Richmond County, seven Nanzattico confessed to murder; five were executed after trial. The Virginia Council deemed forty Nanzattico age 12 or older guilty of complicity and ordered them deported, while keeping the younger children as servants. In 1705, sea captain John Martin transported the adult Nanzattico to the island of Antigua, where they were sold into servitude.
