How a vast, frontier-era county in New York shrunk to its modern, scenic borders

Science · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Once a sprawling territory stretching toward the Pacific, Ontario County evolved from a massive colonial land claim into a compact Finger Lakes hub. Today, it is a center for agriculture and history, shaped by the legacy of the Iroquois Confederacy, the Second Great Awakening, and shifting suburban political tides.

Originally established in 1789, Ontario County was once a vast expanse of land that served as the foundation for much of western New York. Following the American Revolutionary War, the United States forced the Iroquois Confederacy—specifically the Seneca and other allied nations—to cede their territories. This opened nearly five million acres to settlers from New England. As the region became more densely populated, the original, oversized Ontario County was systematically divided to create over a dozen new counties, including Monroe, Erie, and Steuben, between the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The county's cultural landscape was profoundly influenced by the Second Great Awakening in the early 1800s. This era of religious fervor saw the rise of independent sects, most notably the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Joseph Smith, the movement's founder, lived in Manchester during the 1820s. He claimed to have discovered the golden plates of the Book of Mormon at Hill Cumorah, a 110-foot landmark that remains a significant site for the church today, hosting an annual pageant that draws thousands of visitors.

Geographically, the county is defined by its position in the Finger Lakes region, covering 663 square miles. Its economy has transitioned from frontier settlement to a mix of tourism and productive agriculture, ranking fourth in New York for berry production as of 2022. Politically, the county has historically leaned Republican, reflecting its rural roots. However, recent decades have seen increased competitiveness, driven by the expansion of Rochester's suburbs into towns like Victor and Farmington, leading to razor-thin margins in recent presidential elections, including a 33-vote gap in 2020.

The county seat, Canandaigua, sits at the heart of this region, which takes its name from an Iroquoian word meaning 'beautiful lake.' While the area was long controlled by the Seneca people—evidenced by historical bead manufacturing at the Factory Hollow site—it now functions as a modern metropolitan extension of Rochester, balancing a professional workforce with the preservation of its historic and natural landmarks.

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