250 Celebration & Parade
As America marks 250 years since the birth of our nation, it's also a time to reflect on the rich history of the Finger Lakes. In 1776, the area we now know as Penn Yan was home to the Seneca Nation. As the newly formed United States expanded westward, this beautiful landscape became a destination for early settlers seeking new opportunities.
In 1788, the Treaty of Purchase transferred much of the land now known as Yates County from the Seneca Nation to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham. Soon after, settlers from New England and the Susquehanna Valley arrived, including Jemima Wilkinson, helping shape the community and contributing to the development of Penn Yan. The town of Jerusalem was formed first in 1789 and then Penn Yan was officially first settled in 1799 and incorporated as a village on April 29, 1833. How the name of Penn Yan came to be is a great conversation with local historians and locals, but name is a derived simply from: Pennsylvania and Yankees - paying homage to the where the settlers came from.
The history of this region is fascinating and deep. To celebrate 250 years this weekend be sure to get to the Branchport Parade on Saturday at 2pm for their spectacular parade along 54A/Main Street section to Guyanoga Road and ending at the main entrance to the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum. Special floats celebrating 250 years will be in route and are not to be missed.
Happy 4th of July!
