A
Brief History of Routes 5 & 20
The migration to central and western New York began shortly
after the American Revolution. Other than an Iroquois trail
that was little more than a simple foot path, there were
no roads west of modern day Utica. Companies that had established
a presence in major settlements lobbied for a public road.
In 1794, the New York State Legislature passed a law commissioning
a public road from Utica to Caledonia in “as straight a line
as the topography of the land would allow.” This road was
officially known as the "Great Genesee Road.” Four years
later, the legislature called for an expansion to Buffalo.
By 1805, most sections of The Great Genesee Road were privately
maintained toll roads. The Seneca Turnpike ran from Utica
to Canandaigua and the Ontario and Geneseo Turnpike from
Genesee Road to Buffalo. However, due to a loss of revenue
to the Erie Canal, by mid century most turnpike companies
had dissolved and the roads reverted to public control.
New York began paving main routes in the early 1900s to
accommodate the increasing numbers of automobiles. Newly
formed Auto Trail Associations began marking designated routes,
such as the Yellowstone Trail which ran from Seattle, Washington
to Plymouth, Massachusetts. This trail incorporated modern
US 20 from Pennsylvania to Silver Creek, then mostly modern
NY 5 from Silver Creek to Albany, then modern US 20 again
from Albany to Massachusetts.
Today, Routes 5 &20 offers scenic
vistas, charming small towns, historic homes and unique businesses
- it’s a great way to experience local character. |
