Canandaigua in Ontario County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Squaw Island
Photographed By Yugoboy, September 29, 2012
1. Squaw Island Marker
Inscription.
Squaw Island. . The Island beyond this pier is known as Squaw Island, the smallest State Park in New York State. This area is the birth place of the Seneca Indian Nation, Keepers of the Western Gate of the Iroquois League. According to legend, the wives and children of the Senecas sought refuge on the island during the invasion of their home by General Sullivan in 1779.
At one time, the island was much larger, but the elements have reduced it to its present size. Through the efforts of a group of local citizens led by one person, it is now protected against further erosion for the enjoyment of posterity. Gratefully, this memorial is dedicated to him, Clifford E. Murphy (1895-1982) Canandaigua businessman and civic leader.
The Island beyond this pier is known as Squaw Island, the smallest State Park in New York State. This area is the birth place of the Seneca Indian Nation, Keepers of the Western Gate of the Iroquois League. According to legend, the wives and children of the Senecas sought refuge on the island during the invasion of their home by General Sullivan in 1779.
At one time, the island was much larger, but the elements have reduced it to its present size. Through the efforts of a group of local citizens led by one person, it is now protected against further erosion for the enjoyment of posterity. Gratefully, this memorial is dedicated to him, Clifford E. Murphy (1895-1982) Canandaigua businessman and civic leader.
Erected 1984.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1779.
Location. 42° 52.309′ N, 77° 16.383′ W. Marker is in Canandaigua, New York, in Ontario County. Marker is on City Pier, ¼ mile south of Lakeshore Rd. The name City Pier mean something. This is at the very end of a driving "pier." The view from here is quite incredible. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canandaigua NY 14424, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow
More about this marker. To get to the pier and marker, it is easy to find by passing to the right of the Sullivan-Clinton Marker here.
Regarding Squaw Island. There have been numerous efforts by people to get this island renamed to something less "offensive" to Native Americans. All have come to naught, and I expect this to continue.
Photographed By Yugoboy, September 29, 2012
2. Squaw Island and Marker
Photographed By Yugoboy, September 29, 2012
3. Squaw Island Marker at the end of the Pier
The blue marker to the right is the "Boathouse History" marker. The Squaw Island Marker is harder to see at left.
Photographed By Yugoboy, September 29, 2012
4. Squaw Island
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. This page has been viewed 1,049 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 16, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.