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History of Waterloo, New York, USA
Journey back in time to Waterloo, New York, USA
Explore Waterloo, New York, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Waterloo Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Fun fact: Waterloo, NY is the birthplace of Memorial Day.
The story of Memorial Day begins in the summer of 1865, when a prominent local druggist, Henry C. Welles, mentioned to some of his friends at a social gathering that while praising the living veterans of the Civil War it would be well to remember the patriotic dead by placing flowers on their graves. Nothing resulted from this suggestion until he advanced the idea again the following spring to General John B. Murray. Murray, a civil war hero and intensely patriotic, supported the idea wholeheartedly and marshalled veterans’ support. Plans were developed for a more complete celebration by a local citizens’ committee headed by Welles and Murray.
On May 5, 1866, the Village was decorated with flags at half mast, draped with evergreens and mourning black. Veterans, civic societies and residents, led by General Murray, marched to the strains of martial music to the three village cemeteries.
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Explore even more about Waterloo, New York, USA. Keep reading!
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to WATERLOO

I Love NEW YORK Mug – Pizza, Bagels & Cheesecake Ceramic Coffee Cup
Sip your way into the heart of the Big Apple with our Ceramic Mug featuring the mouthwatering trio of Pizza, Bagels, and Cheesecake! Designed for true New York food lovers, this mug is your perfect companion for savoring your favorite brews.

NEW YORK Roots & Sarcasm - Ceramic Genealogy Coffee Mug
Discover your New York heritage with a twist of humor with our "Found my roots in New York—turns out my ancestors invented sarcasm!" mug. This mug is perfect for those who appreciate the art of witty banter passed down through generations.

NEW YORK - Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug - Ceramic
Discover the charm and mystery of your roots with our "Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug." This ceramic beauty is more than just a coffee cup; it’s a conversation starter that celebrates the quirks and tales of family history in Upstate New York.

NEW YORK - Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug – Funny Upstate NY Genealogy Coffee Cup
Start your day with a laugh—and a nod to history! The Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug is perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, history buffs, and Upstate New York fans. Adorned with a witty slogan and a charming vintage design, this mug celebrates the rich and often surprising history of Upstate New York. Whether you're tracing your roots or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this mug is sure to spark conversation and bring a smile to your face.

NEW YORK Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug Gift Idea - Celebrate Your Ancestry with Every Sip!
Embrace your heritage with this New York Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug, perfect for the proud family historian. Whether you're researching your ancestors or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this ceramic mug reminds you of your deep connection to the Empire State.

ELLIS ISLAND Roots Ceramic Mug – Tribute to Ancestry and New Beginnings - Celebrating Our Immigrant Ancestors
Celebrate your family’s journey with this ceramic mug featuring vintage postcards of Ellis Island, the iconic gateway to America. Adorned with the heartfelt phrase, "Ellis Island: Where My Roots Took Their First Steps!" this mug is a tribute to the brave immigrants who paved the way for future generations. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or sharing stories of your ancestors, this mug serves as a beautiful reminder of the past and the roots that shaped your future. A perfect gift for genealogy enthusiasts or anyone proud of their heritage!
Discover Waterloo: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1854 - Waterloo
Waterloo, a post-village of Waterloo township, and semi-capital of Seneca county, New York, is pleasantly situated on both sides of the outlet of Seneca lake, and on the Auburn and Canandaigua Branch of the Central railroad, 20 miles W. from Auburn. It contains a beautiful court house, an academy, 1 Catholic and 5 Protestant churches, a bank, a public hall, 1 newspaper office, about 30 stores, 9 hotels, 3 foundries with machine shops, 6 flouring and grist mills, 1 steam cotton mill, 2 large manufactories of shawls and woollen goods, 1 of morocco, and a dry-dock and boat-yard. The outlet furnishes water-power, and is used as part of the Cayuga and Seneca canal. Incorporated in 1824. Population in 1853, about 3500; of the township in 1850, 3795.
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.
Waterloo, a post-village of Waterloo township, and semi-capital of Seneca county, New York, is pleasantly situated on both sides of the outlet of Seneca lake, and on the Auburn and Canandaigua Branch of the Central railroad, 20 miles W. from Auburn. It contains a beautiful court house, an academy, 1 Catholic and 5 Protestant churches, a bank, a public hall, 1 newspaper office, about 30 stores, 9 hotels, 3 foundries with machine shops, 6 flouring and grist mills, 1 steam cotton mill, 2 large manufactories of shawls and woollen goods, 1 of morocco, and a dry-dock and boat-yard. The outlet furnishes water-power, and is used as part of the Cayuga and Seneca canal. Incorporated in 1824. Population in 1853, about 3500; of the township in 1850, 3795.
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.
1870 - We see it stated that a farmer near Waterloo, N. Y., has two hens which lay two eggs each every day, and have done so for some time past.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 29, 1870
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 29, 1870
1895 - Waterloo
Waterloo, a post-village, one of the capitals of Seneca co., N.Y., is pleasantly situated on both sides of the outlet of Seneca Lake, and on the Auburn Branch of the New York Central Railroad, 7 miles N.E. of Geneva, 3 miles W. of Seneca Falls, and 19 miles W. of Auburn. It contains a handsome court-house, 7 churches, a union school or academy, a national bank, a public hall, 3 flouring-mills, a large manufactory of woollen shawls, 4 malt-houses, a distillery, several machine-shops and foundries, and printing-offices which issue 1 daily and 2 weekly newspapers. The Seneca outlet affords extensive water-power here. P. (1890) 4350.
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
Waterloo, a post-village, one of the capitals of Seneca co., N.Y., is pleasantly situated on both sides of the outlet of Seneca Lake, and on the Auburn Branch of the New York Central Railroad, 7 miles N.E. of Geneva, 3 miles W. of Seneca Falls, and 19 miles W. of Auburn. It contains a handsome court-house, 7 churches, a union school or academy, a national bank, a public hall, 3 flouring-mills, a large manufactory of woollen shawls, 4 malt-houses, a distillery, several machine-shops and foundries, and printing-offices which issue 1 daily and 2 weekly newspapers. The Seneca outlet affords extensive water-power here. P. (1890) 4350.
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
1906
Waterloo, a banking post-village, one of the capitals of Seneca CO., N. Y., is pleasantly situated on both sides of the outlet of Seneca Lake and on the New York Central and Hudson River and the Lehigh Valley Rs., 7 miles NE. of Geneva. It has manufactures of woollens and wagons, malted and distilled liquors, etc. Pop. in 1900, 4256.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Waterloo, a banking post-village, one of the capitals of Seneca CO., N. Y., is pleasantly situated on both sides of the outlet of Seneca Lake and on the New York Central and Hudson River and the Lehigh Valley Rs., 7 miles NE. of Geneva. It has manufactures of woollens and wagons, malted and distilled liquors, etc. Pop. in 1900, 4256.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Waterloo, New York has a lot to offer! Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Waterloo:
Women's Rights National Historical Park:
Start your journey by exploring the birthplace of the women's rights movement. The park includes the Wesleyan Chapel, where the first Women's Rights Convention was held in 1848.
National Memorial Day Museum:
Learn about the history and significance of Memorial Day at this museum. It provides a deep insight into the origin of Memorial Day, which was first celebrated in Waterloo.
Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack:
If you're feeling lucky, head to the Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack for some thrilling horse racing and gaming action.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge:
Nature enthusiasts will love exploring this wildlife refuge, home to a variety of bird species. Bring your binoculars for bird watching and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail:
Waterloo is part of the Finger Lakes region, known for its wineries. Take a tour along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and indulge in tastings at the local vineyards.
Del ... Read MORE...
Women's Rights National Historical Park:
Start your journey by exploring the birthplace of the women's rights movement. The park includes the Wesleyan Chapel, where the first Women's Rights Convention was held in 1848.
National Memorial Day Museum:
Learn about the history and significance of Memorial Day at this museum. It provides a deep insight into the origin of Memorial Day, which was first celebrated in Waterloo.
Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack:
If you're feeling lucky, head to the Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack for some thrilling horse racing and gaming action.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge:
Nature enthusiasts will love exploring this wildlife refuge, home to a variety of bird species. Bring your binoculars for bird watching and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail:
Waterloo is part of the Finger Lakes region, known for its wineries. Take a tour along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and indulge in tastings at the local vineyards.
Del ... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Waterloo Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Waterloo, New York, USA
We currently have information about 7 ancestors who were born or died in Waterloo.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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