Ellery in Chautauqua County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Transportation
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, May 18, 2018
1. Transportation Marker
Bemus Point/Stow Ferry
Flat boats made from locally cut timber carries goods from Chautauqua Lake to the country's interior. the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry began operating in 1811 and was the only transport across Chautauqua Lake until the bridge was opened in 1982.
In 1828 the steamboat "Chautauque" entered the waters of Chautauqua Lake. During their heyday, 15 large steamboats transported passengers to all points along the lakeshore.
Steamboats brought goods and passengers from Buffalo to the Lake Erie ports of Barcelona and Dunkirk, relying on lighthouses to navigate. The Barcelona lighthouse, built in 1829, was the first to be lit with natural gas and is the oldest original lighthouse in the Great Lakes. Both the Barcelona and Dunkirk lighthouses stand today.
Steamboat. Courtesy: Chautauqua County Historical Society, Westfield, N.Y.
In 1856 the first railroad into Chautauqua County was opened, and it ran from Buffalo to Dunkirk. Soon after, it was possible to travel around Chautauqua Lake and across the county by rail and trolley. The railroads, trolleys and steamboats were key in developing Chautauqua County as a recreational destination in the late 19th century.
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Trolley Car. Courtesy: Chautauqua County Historical Society, Westfield, N.Y.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1811.
Location. 42° 8.025′ N, 79° 20.877′ W. Marker is in Ellery, New York, in Chautauqua County. Marker is at the intersection of Chautauqua Lake Rest Area and Interstate 86, on the right when traveling east on Chautauqua Lake Rest Area. This is the last of four markers at the Chautauqua Lake Rest Area between exits 10 & 11 on I-86; eastbound access only. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bemus Point NY 14712, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. What Does "Chautauqua" Mean? (a few steps from this marker); Farming and Industrial Development (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Land Around Us (about 400 feet away); Packard Mansion (approx. 2.2 miles away); Lakeview House, Sterlingworth Hotel and Lakewood Country Club (approx. 2.2 miles away); First Kent House and Second Kent House
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, May 18, 2018
2. Transportation Marker
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, May 18, 2018
3. Transportation Marker
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, May 18, 2018
4. Transportation Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2018, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 279 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 20, 2018, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.
