History of Cato, New York, USA

1836 - Cato
Cato, taken from Aurelius March 30, 1802, since altered; distant from Albany 155, from Auburn N. E. 13, miles; surface, in the S. gently undulating, in the N. rolling; soil, sandy loam of good quality, but having some swamps, and ponds— of the latter, Parker's, Otter lake, and Cross lake, are chief. Cross lake has a length of 5 miles, and breadth of 1, the others are much smaller; Muskrat river, an inconsiderable stream, runs S. to the Seneca river, bounding the town on the south, Cato Corners, and Cato Four Corners, are post villages; the former, situated partly in Ira, upon the line. has a Dutch Reformed church, 4 stores, 2 taverns, 1 saw, 1 grist mill, 1 ashery, 1 furnace for casting, and 35 dwellings: The latter, centrally situated, has 1 Baptist church, 1 store, 1 tavern, 1 brick school house, 1 furnace, an extensive waggon and carriage factory, and about 30 dwellings.

Gazetteer of the State of New York, Comprehending Its Colonial History, General Geography, Geology, and... Read MORE...

1854 - Cato
Cato, a post-township of Cayuga county, New York, 12 miles N. from Auburn, watered by Seneca river. Population, 2247.
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.

1879 - Cato
CATO lies upon the east border, north of the center of the County, and is bounded on the north by Ira, on the east by Onondaga county, on the west by Conquest, and on the south by Seneca River. It is the south-east quarter of the military township of Cato, (which comprised 143 lots of 600 acres each,) and was formed from Aurelius March 30th, 1802. At that time it comprised all that part of the County lying north of the river. Sterling was taken off June 19th 1812; and Conquest, Ira and Victory, March 16th 1821. The south-east corner lot of Ira was annexed in 1824, to compensate for the waste lands in Cato.

The surface is level in the south and gently rolling in the north, where the ridges, which extend north and south, rise about fifty feet above the valleys, and 150 to 200 feet above Lake Ontario. Cross Lake, upon the east border, is a shallow body of water, with low shores, about five miles long, through which Seneca River runs. Otter Lake is a shallow basin, with low, marshy... Read MORE...

1895 - Cato
Cato, a post-village of Cayuga co, N.Y., on the border of Cato township, and on the Southern Central Railroad, 18 miles N. of Auburn. It is partly in Ira township. It has 3 churches, a machine-shop, a flour-mill, a plough factory, &c. The township is bounded on the S. by Seneca River. Pop. of Cato township, 2097.
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

1916
Cato, a post-village of Cayuga co., N.Y., on the N. border of Cato township (town) and on the Lehigh Valley R., 18 miles N. of Auburn. It has manufactures of wheel- hubs, ploughs, etc. The banking point is Weedsport or Auburn. The town is bounded on the S. by the Seneca River. Pop. in 1900, 350 ; of the town, 1624.
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

While it may not have a wide array of tourist attractions, there are still some interesting places to visit and activities to enjoy in and around Cato. Here's a list to help you make the most of your time in the area:
Cato Historical Society Museum:

Explore the local history by visiting the Cato Historical Society Museum. Learn about the town's past through exhibits and artifacts.

Dwyer Memorial Park:

Spend some time outdoors at Dwyer Memorial Park. Enjoy a picnic, take a leisurely walk, or play sports in the park's open spaces.

Sterling Nature Center:

Head to the nearby Sterling Nature Center for a nature retreat. Hike along the trails, observe wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Fishing at Cross Lake:

If you enjoy fishing, Cross Lake is a popular spot in the region. Bring your gear and spend a relaxing day by the water.

Local Farms and Markets:

Explore local farms and markets in the area. Depending on the season, you might find fresh produce, local crafts, and a taste of rural life.

Photography at Cato-Fair Haven Trail:

Capture the scenic beauty along the Cato-Fair Haven Trail. It's a great place for a nature walk and photography.

Cato Duck... Read MORE...