How a small New York town once became a radical center for social reform
In short: Skaneateles, New York, is known today as a quiet town of 7,112 residents. Yet, in the mid-19th century, it was a hotbed of abolitionist activity and unorthodox social experiments. Locals once even dubbed a local commune No God, reflecting the radical, atheistic views that eventually led to its dissolution.
Formed in 1830 from the town of Marcellus, Skaneateles occupies a unique place in the history of the Central New York Military Tract. Before the Civil War, the area was a significant hub for reform movements. Its commitment to abolition was so intense that some historians have argued the town effectively eclipsed nearby Syracuse in its anti-slavery fervor. This legacy is supported by documented Underground Railroad sites and the active involvement of local Quaker congregations in the fight against slavery.
The town's appetite for social experimentation was perhaps best exemplified by the Skaneateles Community, founded in 1843. This group successfully operated a large farm and small industries, but their unorthodox practices and atheistic beliefs drew significant external criticism. The community published its own newspaper, the Comunitist, between 1844 and 1846. Internal struggles and external pressure eventually caused the group to dissolve in 1846, though the buildings they occupied remain standing today as a bed-and-breakfast known as Community Place.
Beyond its reformist roots, Skaneateles has been home to a diverse array of figures, from Hudson River School artist John Dodgson Barrow to Nicholas Roosevelt, the inventor of the steamboat vertical paddle wheel. Today, the town maintains a distinct character, with a median age of 51.1 years and a median household income estimated at $90,762 as of 2021. While the town has evolved significantly since its days as a radical center, its historical landmarks, including the Brook Farm and the Kelsey-Davey Farm, remain listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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