Syracuse, New York


Syracuse is located in the central part and is the fifth largest city in the U.S. State of New York. Syracuse is known as "The Salt City". The city was a hub for the salt industry until the 1870s. The city has the largest shopping mall in the state. Syracuse is ranked number 5 as the best city for veterans to live in. The city often receives more snowfall than any other city in the USA.



To See And To Do In Syracuse


  • The Museum of Science and Technology
  • Destiny USA, the largest shopping mall in the state
  • The Erie Canal Museum
  • The Salt City Market
  • The Onondaga Historical Association Museum
  • The Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  • The Clinton Square Historic Old Buildings
  • The ArtRage Gallery
  • The Syracuse Stage Theater located in the University
  • To eat at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
  • The Dinosaur Bar-B-Que


History Of Syracuse, NY - Timeline


The Onondaga tribe have a documented presence in the region since 1450 AD. But these Native Americans have most likely lived in the region for over 1000 years. In 1654, Simon Le Moyne from France, was the first European to explorer the area. Le Moyn discovered the natural salt springs around Onondaga Lake. A short-lived settlement by French missionaries were established and they reported about the salt springs.

In 1770, the land was designated as the Salt Springs Reservation and people who explored the area began to boil the saltwater to extract salt. In 1778, people came to take up land grants awarded to soldiers of the Revolution. In 1779, the Continental Army attacked the Onondaga indians main village.

In 1784, the first permanent settlers, Ephraim Webster and Asa Danforth, arrived and opened a trading post. In 1788, Asa Danforth built several gristmills and sawmills. In 1792, the first German settler, Johannes A. Schaeffer, established a trading post. In 1797, the NY state took control over the salt springs. That was the beginning of the salt industry.

In 1804, Abraham Walton bought 250 acres of the salt reservation from the state. In 1805, he had built a mill and sold a lot to Henry Bogardus. Also in 1805, the first school was built. In 1806, Henry opened a tavern. In 1812, the John Gridley House was built. In 1814, Lewis Hamilton Redfield started the first newspaper, Onondaga Register.

In 1818, Joshua Forman arrived. He purchased a large amount of acres. He began selling plots to settlers and entrepreneurs. Joshua helped people to establish commercial properties, churches, and streets were built. For this he has been called "the Founder of Syracuse." In 1819, the lawyer John Wilkinson arrived. In 1820, a post office was built and Wilkinson became the first postmaster. Around 250 people now lived in the village.

In 1822, the Granite Building was constructed as a salt warehouse. In 1824, Syracuse receives its name. In 1825, the Erie Canal was completed and now the area began producing and shipping salt on industrial level. The same year, the Village of Syracuse was incorporated.

In 1827, the police started its service in the village. In 1829, the Onondaga Standard newspaper was published. In 1839, the Syracuse and Utica Railroad opened. In 1841, the New York State Fair was held in the village. In 1844, the Courier Building was built. In 1848, Syracuse becomes a city. In 1849, the streets were illuminated by gas lights. In 1850, a new school was built, and 22.000 people now lived in the city.

In 1852, a City Hall was established. In 1858, the Plymouth Congregational Church was built. In 1860, a horse-drawn line called the Central City Railway, began operations. In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln visited Syracuse. In 1862, the Onondaga Historical Association was formed.

In 1870, the Syracuse University was founded. In 1871, the Geneva Medical College was transferred to Syracuse University. In 1875, the Syracuse Savings Bank building was built. In 1876, the Grace Episcopal Church was built, and the White Memorial Building was completed.

In 1884, the Solvay Process Company plant was built. It was a chemical manufacturer that specialized in the manufacture of soda ash. It led to pollution issues that are still being addressed today. In 1885, the Saint Paul's Episcopal Cathedral was completed.

In 1889, a new City Hall was built. In 1895, the Central New York Telephone and Telegraph Building was completed. In 1896, the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts was established.

In 1900, 108.000 people lived in the city. In 1906, the Franklin Automobile Company was founded. In 1907, the Onondaga County courthouse opened. In 1914, the Burnet Park Zoo opened. In 1915, the Ziegler House was built. In 1924, the Hotel Syracuse opened. In 1928, the Loew's State Theater opened. In 1946, the Le Moyne College was established. In 1954, the Syracuse Turn Hall building was destroyed in a fire.

In 1962, the actor Tom Cruise was born in Syracuse. In 1980, the Carrier Dome stadium opened. In 1990 the Destiny USA (former name Carousel Center) opened. It is the largest shopping mall in the state. In 1995, the rapper and actor Post Malone was born in the city.