Geneseo in Livingston County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Phantom Indian of Conesus Lake

— Legends & Lore —

May 28, 2016

1. Phantom Indian of Conesus Lake Marker

Inscription. Promoted by Colonel S. Tooey
Appearing by moonlight in
canoe calling for help
Tales still shared today

Erected 2016 by William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 11.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation Legends & Lore Series series list.

Location. 42° 46.846′ N, 77° 43.295′ W. Marker is in Geneseo, New York, in Livingston County. Marker is on Long Point Park Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Geneseo NY 14454, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Routes of the Armies of General John Sullivan and General James Clinton (approx. 3.3 miles away); Military Route (approx. 3.3 miles away); County Poorhouse (approx. 3.7 miles away); Ambuscade (approx. 4.3 miles away); Groveland Ambuscade Park (approx. 4.3 miles away); Groveland Ambuscade Monument (approx. 4.4 miles away); Kelleman Log Cabin (approx. 4.4 miles away); Temple Hill (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Geneseo.

Regarding Phantom Indian of Conesus Lake.

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After hearing about the nearby Silver Lake Sea Serpent, local business owner Colonel S. Tooey promoted the “Conesus Lake Phantom Indian” as a way to promote tourism to Conesus Lake and enhance his boating business. Standing in a brightly painted canoe, the “Phantom” wearing full Native American dress would appear on moonlit nights calling for help, but would mysteriously disappear when help arrived. Each year, the story grew and expanded over time.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2019, by Deryn Pomeroy of Syracuse, New York. This page has been viewed 549 times since then and 53 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on January 23, 2019, by Deryn Pomeroy of Syracuse, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

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