Archive

The Road to Camp Sumter: Wilson’s Ira S. Pettit

Ira Pettit’s journey from Wilson to the horrors of Andersonville provides an evocative look at a Civil War Everyman.

The Remarkable Caroline G. Parker Mountpleasant, Seneca Wolf Clan

Traditional, yet progressive, the sister of “Grant’s Indian” left a lasting impact on both the Victorian and Native societies she touched.

For I Never Would Have Surrendered: The 1886 Fenian Invasion of Canada

After fighting to preserve the Union in the American Civil War, hundreds of Irish immigrants were eager to win their homeland's freedom from the United Kingdom. Although the Fenian Brotherhood failed in its mission to capture Canada, the cross-border raids would have a lasting impact.

Crossing to Freedom: Harriet Tubman and John A. Roebling's Suspension Bridge

In the mid-19th century thousands of escaped slaves dreamed of crossing the Niagara River to the free soil of Canada. Many were led to this region by Harriet Tubman. New research aims to uncover the remains of a bridge she used.

"Old Probabilities" Albert Myer and the U.S. Weather Bureau

Using methods he developed during the Indian Wars and the Civil War, General Albert Myer and the U.S. Signal Corps helped modernize the shipping industry with timely storm forecasting. "Old Probabilities" saved countless lives through his efforts to have the weather tracked worldwide.

Lincoln's Connections to Western New York

Abraham Lincoln only briefly passed through this area – once while campaigning and one in his funeral train – but a pair of his political allies, Clark Ezra Carr and Erastus D. Webster, called Western New York their home.

Grant's Indian

Ely Parker, a Tonawanda Seneca, used his linguistic skills to rise to prominence in the federal government. The controversial figure's life is examined by a fellow Native American.

Pictorial

100th NY Volunteers Monument

One simple but effective monument...is the memorial boulder set up at the Front, adjoining the grounds of Fort Porter, in memory of the 100th Regiment, New York Volunteers, Buffalo's 'Board of Trade Regiment' during the Civil War.

Western New York Heritage

The Archive