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

1846 Allegany County loses 50 square miles to Livingston County, reducing the total to 1,090 square miles, and establishing the western portion of the current border with Livingston County.

1948 The lilac is designated at the official flower for Rochester. It is also decided that a period of one week each year shall be designated by the Mayor as "Lilac Time in Rochester." According to Chapter 15, Section 6 of the city code, that "week shall begin on the Sunday selected by the Director of Parks as being the most suitable day for the full enjoyment and appreciation of the great lilac display in Highland Park."

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.