A Search for Peace - A History of Cherry Valley NY

Summary

Cherry Valley, a town rich in history, has faced both beauty and violence throughout its existence. Originally settled in the 18th century, it endured hardships from harsh winters to devastating attacks during the American Revolution. The town rebuilt itself multiple times, from thriving as a bustling commercial center to experiencing economic decline in the 19th century. Despite its challenges, Cherry Valley became a symbol of resilience and community. Over time, the town transformed into a peaceful place, embodying the enduring spirit of its residents. Its story highlights survival, renewal, and the paradox of beauty amidst destruction.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cherry Valley, originally named Karatanga by Native Americans, was settled in the mid-18th century and became a key historical location.
• 😀 The settlement was first named Lindsay's Bush by John Lindsay, who faced early survival struggles before being saved by a Mohawk Indian during a harsh winter.
• 😀 Reverend Samuel Dunlap, an intellectual, helped establish the first church and school, significantly shaping Cherry Valley's cultural and educational legacy.
• 😀 Cherry Valley's name was changed to reflect the abundance of wild cherry trees in the area, symbolizing its natural beauty.
• 😀 By 1775, Cherry Valley had over 300 settlers who joined the revolutionary cause, driven by anti-British sentiment and a desire for independence.
• 😀 In 1777, Cherry Valley witnessed violence from both British forces and their Indian allies, leading to the brutal Battle of Oriskany and eventual attacks on Cherry Valley.
• 😀 In 1778, Cherry Valley was attacked and massacred by British, Tory, and Indian forces, resulting in the deaths of many residents, including women and children.
• 😀 Despite the massacre, Cherry Valley's residents, including Colonel Samuel Campbell, returned and began rebuilding the community in the post-Revolutionary era.
• 😀 By the early 19th century, Cherry Valley became a commercial hub with stagecoach lines, factories, and a growing population, benefiting from its location along key transportation routes.
• 😀 Economic decline began in the mid-19th century, with the construction of the Erie Canal, the rise of the railroad, and the Civil War all contributing to Cherry Valley's loss of economic influence.

Q & A

What makes Cherry Valley an intriguing historical study?

Cherry Valley is an exciting historical study because of its paradoxical nature: a place of pastoral beauty and calm that has also experienced extreme violence, destruction, and economic decline. This blend of human dignity and survival in the face of adversity provides valuable insights into history.

What was the original name of Cherry Valley before European settlers arrived?

Before European settlement, Cherry Valley was known as Karatanga by the local Native American tribes.

Who was the first person to secure the land that would become Cherry Valley, and what year did this occur?

In 1738, New York's Lieutenant Governor George Clark secured the 7050-acre tract of land from England's King George, which would later become Cherry Valley.

How did Reverend Samuel Dunlap contribute to the development of Cherry Valley?

Reverend Samuel Dunlap played a crucial role by establishing a church and a school in Cherry Valley, which attracted settlers and students. He was also a key figure in naming the settlement Cherry Valley, inspired by the many wild cherry trees in the area.

What significant event in 1777 threatened the safety of Cherry Valley's residents?

In 1777, the British launched a campaign to gain control of the Hudson Valley, leading to the Battle of Oriskany and increased tensions in the region. This set the stage for later attacks on Cherry Valley, culminating in the massacre of 1778.

What happened during the November 1778 attack on Cherry Valley?

On November 11, 1778, Cherry Valley was attacked by 50 redcoats, 150 Tory rangers, and over 300 Indian warriors. The attack led to the massacre of 32 residents, mostly women and children, and the destruction of the settlement, leaving only the fort and church standing.

How did Cherry Valley manage to rebuild after the destruction of 1778?

After the devastation of 1778, some residents remained and eventually rebuilt the settlement, rising from the ashes. By 1783, Cherry Valley had been revitalized and even hosted General George Washington.

What role did the Erie Canal play in the decline of Cherry Valley's economy?

The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 diverted significant traffic and economic activity away from Cherry Valley, contributing to the village's economic decline, along with the panic of 1837 and the completion of the New York Central Railroad.

How did Cherry Valley's community continue to thrive despite economic hardships?

Despite economic setbacks, Cherry Valley's community remained strong, focusing on family bonds, faith, and a simpler way of life. The residents' commitment to each other helped the village survive through difficult times.

What was the impact of the rerouting of the Cherry Valley Turnpike in 1952?

In 1952, the Cherry Valley Turnpike was rerouted several miles north, bypassing the village. This decision, referred to as the 'second great massacre' by locals, isolated Cherry Valley and diminished its economic activity.