Welcome to Historic Palmyra

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Palmyra Through the Years

    Founded in the 1789 as a result of a six million acre purchase by Oliver Phelps and Nathanial Gorham, Palmyra was headed for a colorful history which continues to unfold:

    There weren't any Palmyra people in the Revolutionary war, but only because there was no Palmyra. Twenty six local residents, however, did march off in the war for Independence. In the War of 1812 fifty seven Palmyra residents took part. All the way to the present men and women served. Four hundred and fifty in WW II, one hundred fifty in Korea, and 300 in Viet Nam. I guess this doesn't make us particularly unique, but it does make us proud.

     When you think of defining events, probably the greatest was the digging of the Erie Canal. Who hasn't learned the old song about navigating on the Erie Canal. The decision to build the canal in 1817 changed Palmyra forever. During the period 822 to 1830 a number of local merchants became wealthy, and they built beautiful homes, many of which you can still see today.

    Palmyra is also a birthplace of the Mormon religion. You can still visit the Martin Harris Farm, and the Grandin Building, where the Book of Mormon was first printed. Just a few miles down the road lies the Joseph Smith Farm and Hill Cumorah; all of great significance to members of the Mormon faith. Even this year a new Mormon Temple will open here.

    Most visitors want to see, or actually can't miss the corners with four churches. Built from 1832 through 1872, these landmarks even made it into the 1938 edition of "Ripley's Believe it of Not" for being unique in the United States.

And yes, there's the Aqueduct Bridge which crosses Ganargua Creek, part of the old canal.  A stylized drawing of it is featured as our banner on the website.

    There is so much more, but we'll wait until you visit. You won't be disappointed. Look up GoPalmyra for the local perspective today.