Prior to the Revolutionary War, everything west of Albany was wilderness. Safer travel and the promise of land opened this frontier. The interaction between European settlers and Native Americans transformed New York, and the paths they walked still bear the footprints of their experiences, like the shrine to Kateri Tekakwitha in Fonda. Industry and invention flourished along these routes, as peace sparked imagination, allowing for art and the freedom to explore new ideologies, some inspired by Native American culture. The Latter Rain Movement took hold in the heart of the Burned-Over District. Utopian communities and playgrounds for the wealthy appeared and vanished; all that remains of the Oneida Community is its Mansion House. Follow New York's westward trails--the Erie Canal and Routes 5 and 20--that opened the west to the United States, beginning in Albany and moving westward to Buffalo.

Prior to the Revolutionary War, everything west of Albany was wilderness. Safer travel and the promise of land opened this frontier. The interaction between European settlers and Native Americans transformed New York, and the paths they walked still bear the footprints of their experiences, like the shrine to Kateri Tekakwitha in Fonda. Industry and invention flourished along these routes, as peace sparked imagination, allowing for art and the freedom to explore new ideologies, some inspired by Native American culture. The Latter Rain Movement took hold in the heart of the Burned-Over District. Utopian communities and playgrounds for the wealthy appeared and vanished; all that remains of the Oneida Community is its Mansion House. Follow New York's westward trails--the Erie Canal and Routes 5 and 20--that opened the west to the United States, beginning in Albany and moving westward to Buffalo.

Prior to the Revolutionary War, everything west of Albany was wilderness. Safer travel and the promise of land opened this frontier. The interaction between European settlers and Native Americans transformed New York, and the paths they walked still bear the footprints of their experiences, like the shrine to Kateri Tekakwitha in Fonda. Industry and invention flourished along these routes, as peace sparked imagination, allowing for art and the freedom to explore new ideologies, some inspired by Native American culture. The Latter Rain Movement took hold in the heart of the Burned-Over District. Utopian communities and playgrounds for the wealthy appeared and vanished; all that remains of the Oneida Community is its Mansion House. Follow New York's westward trails--the Erie Canal and Routes 5 and 20--that opened the west to the United States, beginning in Albany and moving westward to Buffalo.

A complex and troubled history defines the borders of upstate New York beyond the physical boundaries of its rivers and lakes. The United States and the state were often deceptive in their territory negotiations with the Iroquois Six Nations. Amidst the growing quest for more land among settlers and then fledgling Americans, the Indian nations attempted to maintain their autonomy. Yet state land continued to encroach the Six Nations. Local historian Cindy Amrhein takes a close and critical view of these transactions. Evidence of dubious deals, bribes, faulty surveys and coerced signatures may help explain why many of the Nations now feel they were cheated out of their territory.

An A-to-Z look at the Native Americans that have shaped New York's history. Includes activities.

New York State has some of the most interesting and important historic sites in the United States. Visiting historic sites can be an interesting, even thrilling, experience, especially if the visitor knows the history represented by the site before the visit. Further appreciation of a historic site is gained by acquiring an understanding of the overall historic background in which the events of the site occurred. Ten Exciting Historic Sites to Visit in Upstate New York provides the reader with the information needed to make for an unforgettable visit to some of Upstate New York's fabulous historic sites. Background information regarding the history of the area that now comprises New York State is presented in the introductory chapter. The period of history covered briefly in this chapter begins before European contact and runs through 1825 with the building of the Erie Canal. This provides an understanding of the world in which our historic sites became historic sites. Each chapter of this book presents a detailed description of one of Upstate New York's most interesting historic sites along with logistical information (driving directions and GPS coordinates) to help readers get to the site. Also included in each chapter is a brief history of the site so that the reader can be prepared to get the most enjoyment out of their visit. The beginning of the book includes a map of New York with the approximate location of the sites. Among the sites included are the following: “Old” Fort Niagara Fort Ontario in Oswego Johnson Hall Fort William Henry Saratoga Battlefield National Historic Park Fort Ticonderoga