A Landmark and Pride in Our Community

A Landmark and Pride in Our Community. Byron Lapp Memorial Trail and Montezuma Heritage Park. , A Landmark and Pride in Our Community. , The Town on Montezuma purchased the lot and is restoring it for it [sic] significance to the town's history. Volunteers helped clear the site and in a community effort has [sic] taken the important first step in transforming and preserving our heritage. , The Erie and Cayuga-Seneca Canals joined at this location opening up navigation to the Finger Lakes in 1828. The abutment that remains on the south side of the towpath trail is the remains of the crossover bridge which allowed drivers and teams to navigate between the canals. , Along the banks of canals which flowed through town at this site was the Exchange Hotel (Circa 1830) with a stable that held extra teams for the line boat companies. Town elections and meetings were held here, and the hotel burned in 1918. , Byron Lapp Memorial Trail and Montezuma Heritage Park. , The towpath trail, dedicated on May 20, 2011, as the Byron Lapp Memorial Trail leads into the Montezuma Heritage Park. The historic parkland was acquired with funding made possible through the Outdoor Rrecreation Develpoment Bond Act and the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965. , It contains over 140 acres of historic resources being preserved and developed into trails, for historic interpretation, and enjoyment of its beautiful natural resources along the Seneca River - Erie Canal.