CORTLAND, N.Y. (WBNG) — A local historian helped residents better understand Cortland County's role leading up to and following the Revolutionary War during a presentation Saturday at the Central New York Living History Center.
The program, titled “Cortland County: Before, During & After the Revolutionary War,†explored how the region was shaped by early colonial expansion, Native American land use and growing conflict across New York State.
It also connected local history to the broader national story ahead of America 250, the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Laurie Tebbe, town historian for Marathon and Lapeer, presented the program at 1 p.m. at the center, located at 4386 U.S. Route 11.
“This was like hunting grounds, native timber forest here for the Haudenosaunee. And I kind of focused on the encroachment of the colonies, the colonists coming towards Cortland County before the war, and what was happening here with the missionaries and the French and Indian War,†Tebbe said.
Tebbe said while Cortland County did not see major Revolutionary War battles, the area was still heavily influenced by nearby fighting, land redistribution and settlement patterns that followed the end of the war in 1783.
She added that reflecting on that history helps highlight the region's connection to the nation's founding story as America approaches its semi quincentennial.
The event gave visitors a chance to learn about Cortland County's history long before it was Cortland County or even part of Onondaga County.
Tebbe is regent of the Tioughnioga Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, vice president of the Marathon Area Historical Society and curator of the society's museum.
Refreshments were served after the presentation, where various artifacts were presented.
Admission prices included the event and tours of all CNY Living History Center museums, including the Homeville Museum, Brockway Truck Museum, agriculture exhibits and antique fire house.
Admission was free for children 5 and under and active military, $7 for ages 6-18, $12 for seniors, AAA members and veterans with ID, and $15 for adults.
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