Erwin in Steuben County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Clinton-Sullivan and the Iroquois

Historic New York

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 7, 2023

1. Clinton-Sullivan and the Iroquois Marker

Inscription. This part of New York State was once the homeland of the Seneca Indians, one of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. These people were great agriculturalists, known for their corn, beans, squash, fruit trees and livestock. During the Revolution, Generals James Clinton and John Sullivan were ordered to destroy the power of the Confederacy in Central New York. After the battle of Newtown (Elmira), in August of 1779, the American forces marched north through this area. Indian longhouses were burned and the ripening harvest destroyed. Some Senecas sought refuge with the British at Niagara while others, less fortunate, starved to death during the winter.

The Clinton-Sullivan expedition was instrumental in the extension of the frontier in New York State. If failed to stop the British-inspired Indian raids on the frontier settlements, but it destroyed Iroquois power in Central New York. Thus the rich farm land and natural resources were made available as the westward migration began after the war.

Erected 1969 by Education and Transportation Departments of New York State.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Historic New York State

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, and the The Sullivan-Clinton Expedition Against the Iroquois Indians series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1779.

Location. 42° 10.694′ N, 77° 6.795′ W. Marker is in Erwin, New York, in Steuben County. It is on Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86) ¾ mile west of Victory Highway (State Route 417), on the right when traveling west. Located at the Westbound parking area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Painted Post NY 14870, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

specifically in Western New York,

and in the Southern Tier.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Native American (approx. half a mile away); The First Baptist Church of Painted Post (approx. 1.7 miles away); Civil War Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away); Treaty of Painted Post (approx. 1.7 miles away); World War Memorial Park (approx. 1.7 miles away); Painted Post Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away); Village of Painted Post Comeback '72 Urban Renewal Project (approx. 1.7 miles away); Routes of the Armies of General John Sullivan and General James Clinton (approx. 1.7 miles away).

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 7, 2023

2. Clinton-Sullivan and the Iroquois Marker

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 7, 2023

3. Clinton-Sullivan and the Iroquois Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2023, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 534 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 7, 2023, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.