New York - Cayuga County

Cayuga Co. GenWeb Project

Cayuga Co. Official Website

History of Auburn Prison

Map of Cayuga Co. (1895)

NY State Official Website

Once open to settlers, the development of Cayuga County set off at a rapid pace with veterans of Sullivan's campaign laying claim to areas they recorded during the days of warring with the Cayuga Indians. Among these veterans was John Hardenbergh, who in 1792, settled his claim on the Owasco Outlet and established a village that in twenty-five short years would become a thriving metropolis with a new state prison. Originally called "Hardenbergh's Corners," the village's name was soon changed to Auburn.

Bypassed by the Erie Canal and eventually the New York State Thruway, Auburn has had to define itself almost independently. It is because of its location away from the main lines of transportation that Auburn has been able to maintain its small size and its unique charecter.

The 1800s were a prosperous time for Auburn and the rest of Cayuga County. The small urban community of Auburn played a crucial role in the industrialization of America. Hardwork, crafted skills, and ingenuity created an industrial boom throughout the county.

It was a time for entreprenuers in Cayuga County during the 1800s. John D. Rockefeller, who was raised on a farm overlooking Owasco Lake, brought to life Standard Oil. Another man, Issac Singer, kept a merchant's shop and sawmill in nearby Port Byron. After keeping the business close to home for many years, he expanded nationally and then globally, bringing the world the Singer Sewing Machine Company.

A variety of inventions found their roots in Cayuga County, as well. Cyrenus Wheeler invented and manufactured the famous Cayuga Chief drop reaper in the 1850s. D.M. Osborne had a direct impact on the 19th century agricultural revolution by developing dozens of new labor-saving agricultural devices.

During this time the city of Auburn had been growing by as much as 10% per year. By 1900, Auburn contained 350 manufacturing plants employing more than 6,000 workers.

Born on a farm in Cayuga County, New York on January 7, 1800, Millard Fillmore was one of the original "log cabin to the White House" Presidents. With little formal education, Fillmore was admitted to the New York State Bar at age 23, and by the time he was 30, he served on the New York State Assembly. When Fillmore succeeded Zachary Taylor to the United States Presidency in 1850, he signed the Fugitive Slave Act as part of the Compromise of 1850. Ultimately, Fillmore's support of this act, marked the end of his political career when his own party did not nominate him for re-election.

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