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Great Genesee Road: Difference between revisions
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In 1794 the state legilature authorized a road from Fort Schuyler to Canawaugus to help settlers reach the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Military_Tract New Military Tract]. This area was set aside as 500 acres of bounty land to compensate each New York Revolutionary War veteran for his service. The new road followed the route of the old Mohawk Trail. An extension to Buffalo was authorized four years later.<ref name="Rte5" /> | In 1794 the state legilature authorized a road from Fort Schuyler to Canawaugus to help settlers reach the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Military_Tract New Military Tract]. This area was set aside as 500 acres of bounty land to compensate each New York Revolutionary War veteran for his service. The new road followed the route of the old Mohawk Trail. An extension to Buffalo was authorized four years later.<ref name="Rte5" /> | ||
However, the road construction was spotty and in places incomplete. In 1800 the legislature chartered the Seneca Road Company to charge tolls for improving the road. High quality toll roads were called turnpikes and | However, the road construction was spotty and in places incomplete. In 1800 the legislature chartered the Seneca Road Company to charge tolls for improving the road. The road was [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macadam macadamized] to reduce pot holes. High-quality, privately-controlled, toll roads were called turnpikes. This one was completed in 1808 and was called the Seneca Turnpike, 157 miles (253 km) from Utica to Canandaigua, longest such road in New York. In 1805 the western extension to Buffalo transformed from road to turnpike. This Ontario and Genesee Turnpike was completed in 1813. In 1806 the Seneca Road Company began developing a more northerly alternate route through Syracuse. In time this became the more popular route west.<ref name="Rte5" /> | ||
The construction of the [[Erie Canal]] in 1825 reduced traffic on the turnpikes. Later railroads began to compete for traffic. Reduced revenue on the turnpikes made the road companies unprofitable. In 1852 the Seneca Road Company was dissolved and the turnpikes became public roads again.<ref name="Rte5" /> | The construction of the [[Erie Canal]] in 1825 reduced traffic on the turnpikes. Later railroads also began to compete for traffic. Reduced revenue on the turnpikes made the road companies unprofitable. In 1852 the Seneca Road Company was dissolved and the turnpikes became public roads again.<ref name="Rte5" /> | ||
=== Route === | === Route === | ||