A New York Historical Journey

A New York Historical Journey: 

The Path to Freedom & Indian Nations Revisited

Suggested regional tour itinerary for visitors to the Finger Lakes

region of New York State

Follow the path of the fugitive slaves escaping bondage from the southern plantation owners.  Learn the fascinating stories behind the abolitionist movement in New York State.  New York became the final phase for hundreds who fled to Canada and to freedom. History of the six-nation Indian confederation comes to life in the Finger Lakes with stories and relics from the Senecas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Iroquois, Onondagas, & Cayugas.  Learn how they banded together for mutual defense living in one community, with a unique form of self-government.

Day 1 - Syracuse, NY

Arrive in Syracuse.  Your first stop will be to visit the interactive Underground Railroad exhibit at the Onondaga County Historical Association.  St. Marie Among the Iroquois is a 1650's Jesuit Mission on the shores of historic Onondaga Lake. Visit this recreation of the French Mission that thrived in the 1600's.  Presentations on the faith journey of a Jesuit and 17^th century soldiering are their specialties. .  Once you check in at a downtown hotel, stroll through Downtown's Armory Square filled with boutiques and specialty shops.  There are many excellent restaurants to choose from in the historical district.

Day 2 - Auburn/Canandaigua

Tour the home and complex dedicated to Harriet Tubman.  A former slave herself, the "Moses of her People" who personally conducted over 300 enslaved persons to freedom.  Her fascinating story unfolds though the memorabilia & artifacts preserved in this historic site.    Make another connection with the Underground Railroad at the home of Austin Seward,  an abolitionist who served as President Lincoln's Secretary of State.  His home was often used as a "safe house" by escaped slaves.  Continue to Seneca Falls or Geneva for a lunch stop.  Travel along the northern tip of the Finger Lakes to arrive at Canandaigua Lake.  Take a nights respite in the beautiful Bristol Harbour Resort overlooking Canadaigua Lake.  This small island served as refuge for escaping natives during the campaign of the Revolutionary War.  A dinner cruise on the Canandaigua Lady is the best way to view the lake vistas. 

Day 3 - Victor/Mt. Morris/ Rochester

Many Indian nations occupied the North American woodlands.  Ganondagan State Historic Site is the location of a major seventeenth-century Seneca town and its associated burial ground.  Tour the authentic long house, interpreted trails and breathtaking views of the Bristol hills. Finger Lakes hills.  The Seneca refer to Ganondagan as the Town of Peace as they sought to bring an end to killing, to teach the warriors the way of reason, righteousness and peace.  Next we head to Mt. Morris to enter Letchworth State Park known as "The Grand Canyon of the East" & home to the Seneca Council House.  Visit the William Pryor Letchworth Museum, which highlights regional Native American history.  Stop for lunch at the Glen Iris Inn on the park grounds.  The park spans 17 miles, has three cascading waterfalls and is home to the Mt. Morris Dam.  Your day ends in Rochester.  Check in to your hotel for a leisurely evening.  Drive down to the Port of Rochester for dinner in one of the many restaurants along the lakeshore or choose one of several landmark restaurants in Rochester.

Day 4 - Rochester, NY

Rochester became a conclave for the abolitionist movement during the mid to late 1800s.  Some fugitive slaves settled in Rochester as they found it to be a safe haven for refuge.  Some continued on to Canada and to freedom.  Frederick Douglass, a former slave,  made this his home for 25 years.  Visit the Rochester Museum & Science Center to view a special exhibit on his life and times as well as a comprehensive look at the Native American history in this region.  The home of Susan B. Anthony has a special connection to the anti-slavery movement.  The bronze statue in Susan B. Anthony Park is a special tribute to the friendship between Anthony and Douglass.  They are shown having tea. Lunch in the High Falls historic district.

Akwaaba the Heritage Associates offer an optional tour guide to provide an in depth tour of Rochester's Underground Railroad points of interest.

To continue your journey head west toward Toronto via Niagara Falls & head for St. Marie Among the Hurons.  Rochester is just 70 miles east of Niagara Falls.  We invite you to extend your visit in Rochester by visiting our world class museums or take in some exceptional shopping.  If you are fond of Jazz we have some excellent night spots to visit.

For information contact:  Paula Savage, VisitRochesterGreater Rochester Visitors Association 1-800-677-7282 or Liz Marrapese, Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1-800-234-4797.