Canandaigua in Ontario County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Squaw Island
Photographed by Yugoboy, September 29, 2012
1. Squaw Island Marker
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 • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1779.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 42° 52.309′ N, 77° 16.383′ W. Marker was in Canandaigua, New York, in Ontario County. It was on City Pier Ό 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
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Upstate New York, specifically in Western New York, in the Finger Lakes, and in the Rochester Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: Sgλ:nφ (Skenoh) Island (here, next to this marker); Boathouse History (a few steps from this marker); Earl Coleates (within shouting distance of this marker); Routes of the Armies of General John Sullivan and General James Clinton 1779 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Haudenosaunee Family (approx. half a mile away); Cobblestone Cottage 1837 (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Business District (approx. one mile away); City of Canandaigua (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canandaigua.
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 October 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. This page has been viewed 1,569 times since then and 46 times this year. Last updated on September 18, 2025, by Susan A. Dalaba of Cortland, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 16, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
