Letchworth Park New York

Seneca Council House, Letchworth Park, New York

Inscription: This ancient Seneca Council House stood at Ga-o-ya-de-a ‘Where the Heavens Rest Upon the Earth’ on the Genesee River in days antedating the American Revolution. In it gathered the war parties ‘that fought in the defense of their country.’ Before it prisoners ran the gauntlet. Around its council fires sat famous warriors and chiefs. It was rededicated Oct. 1, 1872 by the last Indian Council of the Genesee.” At this council Ga-yeh-twa-geh ‘Nicholson Parker’ gave the opening address which was as follows: “Brothers: I will say a few words. We have come here as representatives of the Seneca Nation … Read more

Monument To Deh-He-Wa-Mis (Mary Jemison) At Letchworth Park, New York

Mary Jemison was taken as a captive by a band of Seneca Indians at March Creek, Pennsylvania in 1776. She was carried down the Ohio River where she was adopted into a Seneca Indian family. In 1759 she moved with the Senecas to the Genesee River Country. She was aged 91 years when she died, Sept. 13, 1833. When offered her freedom, this white woman refused, preferring to live and die with her Seneca People. On one occasion she said, that the life of the old time Indian, before he was given liquor and crowded by the white man, was … Read more