History

Dating back to the 1940's, Watkins Glen and Schuyler County has been home to the rebirth of American ROAD RACING in the United States. Many famous drivers have experienced the twists and turns of the country roads and the fan-filled straightaway of Franklin Street on this 6.6 mile historic road course. Today, fans and drivers alike can still visit the Grand Prix road course and take a self-guided tour in their own car, sharing a piece of our pride and history with you. Additionally, modern-day racing activities take place at Watkins Glen International where Indy Car and NASCAR fans flock to in the summer months!

Watkins Glen is not the only village in Schuyler County that boasts rich history. The Village of Montour Falls, located just a few miles south of Watkins Glen, houses both the memorials for CATHARINE MONTOUR & CHARLES COOK. Charles Cook was instrumental in the development of Schuyler County and many of the historic buildings in Montour Falls, including the Montour House and the now New York State Fire Academy. Catharine Montour was the head of the Shequagua village upon her husband's death.

As many of you already know, the Finger Lakes Region was created by glaciers. Many villages and towns in the region also boast beautiful GLACIER CARVED GORGES as a result. They are truly one of nature's many wonders that is a must see when you are in the Finger Lakes Region.

Much of the Finger Lakes Region was inhabited by NATIVE AMERICANS. Schuyler County was home to the Seneca Indians, as well as the Lamoka tribe. Schuyler County still holds tribute to the Native Americans with names, historic markers and memorial sites.


Many visitors that come to the area look for places that they can hike.  The Catharine Valley Trail is one of the many trails available for hiking and biking in the area. What used to be the RAILROAD SYSTEM IS NOW THE CATHARINE VALLEY TRAIL, a rail to trail. The trail now offers hiking, biking, and in the winter, skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. It is still a great way to see the beauty of what nature has to offer and get a glimpse of the same things that our ancestors saw.

Schuyler County not only has abundant agriculture as its source of living, but it also has SALT MINING & MANUFACTURING.  The salt mining has weaved its way into the county's history as the area sits above one of the largest salt veins in the United States. Both salt mining and manufacturing, as well as agriculture are still industries that thrive today and are an integral part of the communities.

For genealogical research or to find out more about Schuyler County history please visit The Schuyler County Historical Society & Museum. The museum maintains two buildings in Montour Falls. The 1828 brick museum offers exhibits, starting with the Indian era, in the display rooms. Its 1884 one-room school is open by appointment. Both are listed on the state and national registers of historic buildings. As part of you genealogical research, you may want to see the list of the local CEMETERIES.

If you are interested in historic sites, be sure to check out which sites in the county are on the National Register of Historic Places. One such place is the Historic "Glorious T" district in Montour Falls.  This district is located in and around the intersection of Main and Genesee Streets in the Village of Montour Falls, with the beautiful Shequaga Falls in the background.