History of Brutus, New York, USA

First permanent settler: William Stevens, Lot 76, 1800.

oldbrutushistorical.org

First church: Methodist Episcopal, 1816.

oldbrutushistorical.org

Weed brothers constuct "Basin" on the Erie Canal, 1818

oldbrutushistorical.org

Town of Brutus established in 1827.

oldbrutushistorical.org

Village of Weedsport incorporated in 1831.

oldbrutushistorical.org

1836 - Brutus
BRUTUS, taken from Aurelius, 30th March, 1802, since altered; distant from Albany, W. 153 miles; surface hilly, being partly covered with gravel mounds; soil, clay and sandy loam, generally cleared and under excellent cultivation; drained N. by Broad creek and Cold Spring brook flowing into Seneca river. The former is a feeder of the Erie canal, and is a good mill stream; limestone and plaster are #. here, and a quarry of the latter is worked. Weedsport and Centreport are villages.

Weedsport, incorporated in 1831, 7 miles N. of Auburn, 87 W. of Utica, and 26 from Syracuse, and by canal 197 from Albany, named after the founder, has a post office, 1 Presbyterian and l Methodist church, 1 ashery, tannery, 8 stores, 3 forwarding establishments, 3 taverns, 1 furnace, 1 saw mill, and 120 dwellings. This is a thriving village, at which much business is done, being the canal port for the northern part of the county, and for Auburn. This is one of the hundred canal creations.... Read MORE...

1854 - Brutus
Brutus, a township of Cayuga county, New York, 7 miles N. from Auburn, is intersected by the Erie canal, and by the Rochester and Syracuse railroad. Population, 3046.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Brutus
Brutus, a township of Cayuga co, N.Y., containing the village of Weedsport, and traversed by the New York Central and Southern Central Railroads and the Erie Canal. Pop. 2831.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1912 - OUT INTO THE NIGHT - Family Driven From Burning Home in Nightclothes.
Weedsport, Feb. 2. - The family of G. Wordoski, a Pole., who had recently moved into this vicinity from Syracuse, was driven out in their night clothes last night when fire destroyed their home near this village. The mother, who was in bed ill, is in a critical condition from fright.

Wordoski moved here two months ago and purchased a small farm from Perry Crimm in the town of Cato. Last evening after the family, numbering six, had retired, an overheated stove ignited some of its surroundings and the flames spread. The fire had gained considerable headway when discovered and though efforts were made to extinguish them, the building and furnishings were destroyed at a loss of about $1,000.
Syracuse Herald
Syracuse, New York
February 2, 1912

1916
Brutus, a township (town) of Cayuga co., N.Y., containing the village of Weedsport. Pop. in 1900, 2582.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

2023 - Whether you're into history, nature, or just good food, Brutus has something for you. Let's dive in:
1. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
If you're a nature enthusiast, this place is a must-visit. It's a haven for birdwatchers with a diverse range of migratory birds. Grab those binoculars and enjoy the serenity.

2. Fort Hill Cemetery
History buffs, this one's for you. Explore the Fort Hill Cemetery, which not only has a rich history but also beautiful architecture. Take a stroll and soak in the stories etched on the tombstones.

3. Montezuma Winery
Time for some adult grape juice! The Montezuma Winery is known for its Finger Lakes wines. Take a tour, sample some wines, and maybe bring a bottle or two back home.

4. Cayuga Lake State Park
For a day of outdoor fun, head to Cayuga Lake State Park. Picnicking, hiking, swimming, and fishing – it's a great spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes region.

5. Mac's Drive-In
Nothing beats the charm of a classic drive-in. Mac's is a local favorite for burgers, fries, and the whole retro dining experience. Roll... Read MORE...