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

1815 After previously suffering a devastating fire, the remains of Abbatt Mill in Pleasant Valley are auctioned off. John DeLergne and Luther Thwing purchased the site for $13,000 at the auction.

1844 The Salvation Army comes to Rochester in Monroe County for the first time.

1876 The first high school in Albany is dedicated

1939 After lying in disrepair and abandon for years, the Pavilion at Rock City Park in Olean, New York, Cattaragus County, burns entirely.

2018 The U.S. Geological Survey reports a 1.5 magnitude earthquake under Lake Ontario, approximately 26 miles NNW off the coast of Sodus Point.

2019 Maid of the Mist President Christopher Glynn announces the construction of two all-electric, emission-free boats, the first of their kind built in the United States to be launched for service in the fall of 2019.

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.