Fredonia in Chautauqua County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Celia (Celea) Cole
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 17, 2025
1. Celia (Celea) Cole Marker
Celia Sampson Cole married Seth Cole on September 15, 1780 in Chesterfield, Mass. With Mr. Cole's death in 1810, Celia became known locally as the "Widow" Cole while continuing to live in their cabin near the mouth of Canadaway Creek on Lake Erie. It was in the time after her husband's death that Mrs. Cole became a local legend. In July of 1812, Mrs. Cole observed a British ship on the lake near her home dispatching a group of soldiers towards the shore in a rowboat. They had been chasing a salt boat that had sailed to the mouth of Canadaway Creek for safety.
Mrs. Cole proceeded to mount her horse and ride towards Fredonia, rallying militiamen along the way to come and defend the shore. By the time the "Ride of the Widow Cole" was done, she had gathered 40 or so men to the mouth of the creek, where they had turned back the British troops. The plaque in this hoto is located at the Dunkirk Lighthouse grounds, where it commemorates the Widow Cole's service to her country at the beginning of what is known today as the War of 1812!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1812.
Location. 42° 26.59′ N, 79° 19.601′ W. Marker is in Fredonia, New York, in Chautauqua County. It can be reached from East Main Road (
this page online
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, on the Great Lakes, 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 walking distance of this marker: Seth Cole (here, next to this marker); Alonzo Cushing (a few steps from this marker); Alonzo Hereford Cushing (a few steps from this marker); Hezekiah Barker (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Squire White (a few steps from this marker); Thomas Abell Sr. (a few steps from this marker); Elijah Risley Sr. (a few steps from this marker); The Pioneer Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredonia.
Regarding Celia (Celea) Cole. The photo of Celia Cole's plaque on the Dunkirk Lighthouse grounds mentioned on the marker is actually located on the Seth Cole marker.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 17, 2025
2. Celia (Celea) Cole Marker
Marker is the second one from the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 323 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 19, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
