History Of Sodus Point, NY
Welcome to Sodus Bay, NY Home to Lots of American History!
Sodus, NY, traces its heritage to Seneca tribes and European settlers in the late 18th century. Flourishing as a maritime trade hub in the 19th century, it later played a role in the Underground Railroad. Today, it's known for its agricultural prowess and historic charm along Lake Ontario's shore.
Discover the Steamship Era
The Steamship "Earl" was a crucial mode of transportation in the 19th century, connecting Sodus, NY, to other Great Lakes ports. Its service facilitated trade, travel, and the region's economic development.
Three Sunk Schooner Boats Found
What are Schooners?
Schooners where a popular small style boat used for cargo transportation. They were popular during the 1800s up until the 1900s
Three Schooner Boats Discovered
Over 200 Years old found in the depths of the lake
What Schooners Were Found at the Bottom of the Lake?
Pre- Civil War Schooner - The ship was on route from Little Sodus to Toronto, Canada, and was loaded with a full cargo of coal. The crew took to a small yawl and rowed over 8 miles to shore.
Canadian Orcadian - Found 8-10 miles off of Sodus Point, a schooner carrying. The Orcadian took on a great amount of water from the large gap in the side of her hull created by the collision and began to sink immediately.
Three Masted Canadian Schooner - The boat sank nine miles off Sodus Point, New York on November 28, 1906, while in route to Kingston, Ontario with a 480-ton shipment of coal. The three masts still stand to this day.
The Battle of Sodus Hill
Sodus Hill Showdown: Historic Battle of True Patriotism Fighting for Freedom
In the morning of June 19, 1813, during the War of 1812, the British attacked Sodus Point. The British seized the stores in the warehouses and burned the town. Only one building, a tavern, was spared.
50 patriots (a combination of poorly trained militia and local volunteers with no military training) fired into the lines of advancing British marines as they ascended the hill from the western shoreline.
Three Schooners Landing sits right across the street from where the battle took place. Stay and admire what our ancestors accomplished fighting for our freedom
What Was Life Like Back in the 1800s?
Magnificent Lighthouses
Building costs were estimated to be $4500.00 and the government allotted that amount for the building of the lighthouse. A publicly approved parcel of land was purchased for $68.75 and that is where the original Sodus Bay Light was built in 1825.
Ice Harvesting on Sodus Bay
A home required about 300 cakes of ice to cool the icebox all summer. Sodus Bay would freeze to a depth of 10 - 14 inches. Two icehouses on the bay supplied homes and businesses with ice.
Railroad Coal Trestle
In 1886 a coal trestle, at the west end of the bay, was erected and a commercial coal shipping business started which served all ports on Lake Ontario clients and helping them achieve their rental goals.