This Day In New York History

There are a lot places to find information on New York history. Plenty of organizations do a great job telling in depth stories about specific battles, famous people, and even small town tales. All of that history comes with important dates in our past.

This page is an evolving attempt to try and capture the important dates in the Empire State’s past. The database includes historic events, births, and deaths that took place on this day in history. Each one in some way directly relates to Upstate.

This database is a work in progress and is updated regularly with historic dates. Some will be wide reaching and recognizable across Upstate. Others will be noteworthy only to those who live right in the region.

Regardless of the relation, all of the dates and events included in this database have had an impact in some way to the history of Upstate New York.

Today’s Events

1781 George and Martha Washington become the godparents to Catherine Van Rensselaer Schuyler, the youngest daughter of Philip and Catherine. The ceremony is performed by Dominie Westerlo at the Dutch Church in the intersection of State and Broadway in Albany.

1939 David Payne Brewster begins his four year career as a U.S. Representative from New York.

1964 The "Chicken Wing" is created at Anchor Bar in Buffalo

1991 An historic Ice Storm blankets a twelve county region. In Rochester, many were without power for a week, some without power for two weeks. The utility company estimates that $375 million in damage is caused to their distribution lines.

1999 Rochester-area conservative radio talk show host and columnist Bob Lonsberry first publicizes his own website/blog.

2018 Elma Bellini of Webster, New York Supreme Court Justice and former Monroe County Judge, dies at the age of 63 of cancer.

Looking for more? You’ll find a whole bunch of Upstate history in the facts section.

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Whether it’s the closing an iconic restaurant, the birth of a well known Upstater, or a news event that made waves, it’s an important piece of our past. It may seem inconsequential, but preserving the past is an integral part of our local storytelling.

If you have a piece of history related to New York that you feel should be included, please submit using this contact form.