Discover the history of the Genessee River in this interesting pictorial journey. One of the few rivers in the United States running south to north, the Genesee River was the result of the last great ice sheet that covered New York roughly 10,000 years ago. The Seneca Nation fished and hunted along the river, important to New York since the beginnings of time. In the early 1800s, it served as a source of waterpower for numerous industries. It provided water for early canals, and when the canals gave way to railroads, special sites along the river became popular destinations for entertainment. From the early 1800s, Ontario Beach Park was dubbed the Coney Island of the West, and in the late 1800s, trains brought scores of tourists to Letchworth for spectacular views of the canyon, falls, and wildlife. Today, a series of parks and hiking trails can be found up and down the river.
Reflections on Big Spring is a thoughtfully researched, highly readable celebration of the rich heritage of the Genesee River Valley, Pittsford, NY and the Big Spring that drew generations of Americans to the area. The Seneca Tribe who lived in the Genesee River Valley for five centuries were the fighting elite of the Iroquois Confederacy. The author chronicles the series of seminal decisions that led to the gradual displacement and ultimate downfall of these proud indigenous people. New Englanders immigrated to the great frontier of western New York State in the early 19th century seeking the well-publicized "agricultural el dorado". These pioneers were of hearty stock and by nature, strong-willed risk-takers. From both of these sturdy gene pools came generations of brave war heroes, inspirational politicians, compassionate humanitarians, civil rights leaders, creative inventors, and revolutionary entrepreneurs. Their influence has been substantial not just locally but throughout the state, the country and the world. Follow the lives of resident humanitarians Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony as their inspired civil rights efforts make history. Consider the courage displayed by lesser-known local heroes who farmed, taught school or ran stores during the day and became "conductors" on the area's Underground Railroad after dark. Oral histories of secret passages, tunnels, caverns and hidden rooms take readers on the "last 100 miles to freedom" ride. Seamlessly woven throughout the text are fascinating facts that define the uniqueness of the Genesee River Valley. While closely tied to its agricultural roots, the area is home to several of the world's most prestigious business enterprises and was the birthplace of a wide variety of revolutionary technologies, business strategies and labor-management practices. Discover how Genesee Valley residents shared amateur photography, xerography, the UPC label, self-service groceries, white hots and cream style mustard with the world.
From February 1988 until his capture nearly two years later, convicted child killer Shawcross terrorized the city of Rochester, New York, with his spree of savage slaughter. The gruesome details of his crimes shocked the court, but paled before the facts about his abused early childhood and his tour of duty in Vietnam where he first tasted human flesh. Photographs.
This book is a travelogue that takes the reader on a journey through the Genesee Valley, the Lakes Country, and the Ridge in New York State. The book includes historical and cultural information about the places visited on the journey. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in New York State history and culture. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
