Mayville in Chautauqua County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Chautauqua Lake Region

Historic New York

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, April 21, 2013

1. Historic New York Marker

Inscription. Chautauqua Lake, eighteen miles long and one to three miles wide, has as its outlet a branch of Connewango Creek, a tributary of the Allegheny River. This gives Chautauqua an indirect connection with the Gulf of Mexico by way of the Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers. French expeditions used Chautauqua Lake and these rivers as a route to Midwest posts in the 18th century. In the next century, lumber rafts, cut from the rich timberlands nearby, were floated down this river system. Indian occupation of the area began approximately 10,000 years ago. Much later, Erie Indians lived here until conquered by the Iroquois in 1656. The Holland Land Company, from its branch office in Mayville, opened the area to settlement after 1800. James Prendergast in 1808 settled Jamestown, which developed into a center for making furniture. After 1860, the cultivation of vineyards became widespread throughout the lake region. A long growing season is favorable for agriculture, and fruit orchards and dairy farms have become extensive. The Chautauqua Institution in 1874 began a program of adult education. Informative lectures, musical presentations,

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and various forms of entertainment later spread the fame of Chautauqua throughout the United States.

Erected 1961 by State of New York - Education Department - Department of Public Works.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Historic New York State series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1656.

Location. 42° 15.258′ N, 79° 30.276′ W. Marker is in Mayville, New York, in Chautauqua County. It is at the intersection of East Chautauqua Street (New York State Route 430) and South Erie Street ( Route 394), on the right when traveling east on East Chautauqua Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mayville NY 14757, 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

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, April 21, 2013

2. Historic New York Marker

North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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: First Courts (within shouting distance of this marker); In Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); Ellen Y. Miller (within shouting distance of this marker); Susan B. Anthony (within shouting distance of this marker); Land Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Scott Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); The Holland Land Company Vault (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Donald McKenzie (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mayville.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 776 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.