Oaks Corners in Phelps in Ontario County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Oaks Corners
Photographed by James Turcotte, November 4, 2025
1. Oaks Corners Marker
This important crossroads of the Old Pre-Emption Line and a widely-traveled route in the western expansion of the Genesee Territory was settled in 1790 by Jonathan Oaks and became the first group settlement within the District of Sullivan. By 1793, Oaks had constructed and was operating a well-renowned tavern at this intersection.
Within the first years of settlement, the population of the District was growing so fast that the inhabitants found it necessary to organize the town and elect officers. On April 1, 1796, a large regalia was held at Oaks' Tavern, attended by Oliver Phelps himself. On that date, the District of Sullivan was officially renamed to the Town of Phelps in honor of one of this region's primary investors and speculators. Jonathan Oaks was elected the first Town Supervisor.
Enterprise Grange 1964 - Town of Phelps 2024
Erected 2024 by Town of Phelps.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1790.
Location. 42° 56.147′ N, 77° 0.764′ W. Marker is in Phelps, New York, in Ontario County. It is in Oaks Corners. It is on Pre Emption Road (County Road 6) 0.2 miles north of Cross Road (County Road 23), on the right when traveling north
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Western New York, in the Finger Lakes, and in the Rochester Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Unionville (approx. 1.6 miles away); Site of the Red House Observatory (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Post #457 Memorial Walkway (approx. 2.2 miles away); Gerald M. Haers (approx. 2.2 miles away); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.2 miles away); Howe House Museum (approx. 2.6 miles away); Redfield Common (approx. 2.7 miles away); Town of Phelps (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Phelps.
Also see . . . Oaks Corners, New York (Wikipedia). (Submitted on November 9, 2025, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed by James Turcotte, November 4, 2025
2. Oaks Corners Marker
and Oaks Corners Presbyterian Church
and Oaks Corners Presbyterian Church
Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2025, by James Turcotte of Phelps, New York. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2025, by James Turcotte of Phelps, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
