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PALMYRA HISTORY
Palmyra is a town and village in Wayne County, New York. The population was 7,672 at the 2000 census. The town is named after the ancient city Palmyra in Syria.

The Town of Palmyra is on the south border of the county. The town contains a village also named Palmyra. The town is about 20 miles southeast of Rochester, NY.

Palmyra was part of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase.

The Town of Palmyra, originally called "Swift's Landing" and "District of Tolland," was created in 1789. During that year was the sole local encounter between natives and white settlers that resulted in deaths. The present name was adapted in 1796, reportedly to impress a new school teacher. By 1800, the town's population was about 1000.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General John Swift, Palmyra Pioneer

The Erie Canal was completed up to Palmyra in 1821, although the canal was not completed to its western terminus until 1825.

In 1823, the Town of Macedon was formed from part of Palmyra's territory as part of the creation of Wayne County from Ontario County.

(adapted from Wikipedia: Palmyra, New York)

     

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