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

1817 A charter is signed officially incorporating the Village of Rochesterville, which would later become the City of Rochester.

1817 A charter is signed officially incorporating the Village of Rochesterville, which would later become the city of Rochester.

1965 The "Main Street Fire" of Hilton burns for six hours while a crew of 500 from around Monroe County work to control it. Ultimately, $2 million in damages were caused, and one life was lost in the blaze.

1976 After performing at the Community War Memorial, rockers Iggy Pop and David Bowie, are arrested for possession of marijuana.

1978 In Friendship, New York, Allegany County, The Friendship Assembly of God and the First Baptist Church officially merge to become The United Church of Friendship.

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.