Orleans County History
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Situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario
Orleans is a small Western New York county, situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Its area is generally flat with elevations ranging from 247 to 737 feet above sea level. About two-thirds of the area is developed farmland but 200 years ago it was a swampy wilderness where “Indians came only for hunting and fishing.” To them, the area was known as “the sick country.” Archeologists have discovered numerous Indian campsites but only one permanent fortification destroyed around 1650. It was not until 1804 that the first permanent settler came here to purchase land from the Holland Land Company. After 1809, settlement along the Ridge Road (Route 104) was fairly rapid.
By an Act of Legislature, passed November 12, 1824, Orleans County was erected on January 1, 1826. Historians are not absolutely sure how or for whom the county was named, but most attribute it to the French. The first court house built in 1827 was replaced by the present Greek revival courthouse in 1858 which is architecturally one of the most outstanding in the state.
By the time the Erie Canal was completed in 1825, most of the land had been sold to homesteaders. The canal, more than any other factor, contributed to the settlement of this area by providing cheap transportation which aided the local economy. Wheat brought $1.50 per bushel and at one time this area was known as the “bread basket of the world.” Since the soil and climate here are conducive to raising fruit, vegetables, grain and livestock, ambitious farmers became prosperous and affluent. Sturdy, beautiful homes were built, and most of the unique cobblestone houses erected by farmers during the 1840’s are still standing.
Dryhouses and cooper shops sprang up in many locations during the growth of the fruit-raising industry. Eventually, however, dryhouses gave way to canning factories and the quick-freeze process of preserving foods. In addition to fruit raising, Orleans mucklands resulting from the drainage of swamps in the southern area have produced millions of dollars worth of lettuce, carrots, potatoes, spinach and onions.
The passing years and the machine age have wrought many changes. The first large industry to change was Medina Sandstone quarry business. It became more feasible to use cement than to hire stone cutters. This competition led to the closing of over forty quarries. Highly mechanized quarries turn out stone in far greater quantities than the early cutters ever dreamed possible.
Agriculture has always been the largest business in the county, but has undergone many changes. Becoming highly specialized with ever increasing farm acreages, it has larger farms and fewer farmers. The small farmer who produced his own meat, eggs, poultry, and fruit has vanished. Dairying has decreased somewhat, but beef cattle are still raised. Horse farming is a more recent industry in this county, where one of the largest breeding farms in the state is located. The sport of fishing greatly increased with Lake Ontario being stocked.
Concern for wildlife was manifested in 1957 when the federal government was authorized by the Migratory Bird Conservation to purchase the 10,800 acre Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge as nesting and migration habitat for migratory waterfowl.
Change is the word which expresses most aptly what has happened to Orleans County over the past years. For better or for worse, its inhabitants have tried to keep abreast of these changing times. Its men and women have given their lives in the nation’s wars, and some have become nationally famous. Its government has tried to make this a good place to live. Its leaders, concerned with ecology and population growth, are planning for the future, and we are proud of these endeavors.