Canandaigua

Founded: 1789
Population: 18,913 (c.2000)

The greater Canandaigua area is located at the northern end of Canandaigua Lake, on the former site of a principal Seneca Indian village named "Kanandarque" (meaning "the Chosen Spot").

Chosen as the seat of government for Ontario County, Canandaigua was once the capital of a vast frontier (known as "the Mother of Counties") that expanded westward to Buffalo. It retained its prominence as a commercial hub until 1825, when the Erie Canal officially opened to the north making Canal cities (such as Rochester) ideal alternatives.

Since its founding, Canandaigua has been home to many influential people, places and events. Among the most celebrated personalities in Canandaigua's esteemed past is that of Mary Clark Thompson. Mrs. Thompson was the daughter of former New York State Governor Myron Clark and the wife of Frederick Ferris Thompson (co-founder of Citibank). She became one of the community's biggest philanthropists, helping build such landmarks as the F.F. Thompson Memorial Hospital, the Main Street Post Office, St. Mary's Catholic Church and Wood Library. In addition, her world travels and unique collections helped transform their family's summer estate (Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park) into one of the area's premier attractions.

Other Canandaigua landmarks include the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum (former home of Gideon Granger, the first U.S. Postmaster General) and Squaw Island (former refuge to Seneca Indian women and children during the Sullivan Expedition). Among the most noteworthy events to have occurred in Canandaigua include: the trial of Susan B. Anthony (tried and convicted of treason for voting in the 1872 presidential election and fined $1.00), and, the signing of the Pickering Treaty (which established peace between the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the U.S.).

Today, Canandaigua continues to be a chosen spot for both commercial and recreational audiences. Several of the area's top attractions can be found here including: Roseland Waterpark, the Ontario County Historical Museum and the C-MAC Performing Arts Center. Corporate business includes: the Canandaigua Wine Company, a Constellation company  (the world’s largest wine business) and PACTIV (manufacturer of polystyrene foam - Nerf balls).

Below is a video on the Hot Air Balloon flight of reporter Philip Anselmo of the Messenger Post Newspapers, piloted by Lee Teitsworth of the Liberty Balloon Company.

Did you Know?

1. Humphrey Bogart used to spend his summer vacations on Canandaigua Lake.
    
2. The Pickering Treaty (signed on November 11, 1794 in Canandaigua, NY) is the oldest honored treaty between the United States and the Six Nations of the Iroquois. A ceremony is held each November 11th in front of the Ontario County Courthouse, commemorating its anniversary.
    
3. Squaw Island (at the northern end of Canandaigua Lake) is the smallest state managed land in New York.
    
4. The name Canandaigua means "The Chosen Place" in its Native American translation.
    
5. Gideon Granger (of Canandaigua) was U.S. Postmaster General for Presidents Jefferson and Madison.

For more information go to the Canandaigua Chamber site or the site for the City of Canandaigua or here for the Town of Canandaigua. The business district of Downtown Canandaigua can be accessed at www.downtowncanandaigua.com.