Central New York

Central New York lies within the ancestral homelands of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, which thrived for thousands of years in this region before the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century.

It was not until after the American Revolution that the region’s counties were divided into municipalities; however, several areas have since played significant roles in supporting the nation’s troops at home and in world conflicts. Cortland County was the initial gathering place for the 76th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which had a role in major battles of the Civil War, including the Battle of Gettysburg. During World War II, Fort Ontario in Oswego County was the only camp in the nation for refugees fleeing the Holocaust.

As settlers arrived and the population increased, wooded areas transformed into rich agricultural land ideal for growing wheat, corn, potatoes, and hay. In recent years, the number of family-owned farms in the region has declined, and smaller farms have given way to larger, corporate outfits as advanced machinery and technological research have continued to streamline the industry.

Central New York continues to see growth and success in the state’s historic educational system. Several higher education institutions were established in Central New York due to the rapid growth of industrialization during the 19th century. In 1868, Wells College in Cayuga County began providing higher education for women. It became a co-ed school in 2004. SUNY Morrisville and Colgate University in Madison County offer a variety of education degrees and opportunities for students. And in Onondaga County, Syracuse University was the first institution in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Today, Central New York boasts a variety of outdoor experiences for tourists and locals alike to enjoy, from hiking, fishing, and camping to skiing, snowmobiling, and skating.