Page 19 - 2026 Cortland Travel Guide

History Happened HISTORY

Here

Join us on a journey through famous faces, iconic buildings, and historic gems
that have shaped this vibrant county into what it is today.

hidden gem lies in its stunning stained-
glass windows, visible only at night or
during special events.

INSIDERS’ TIP | The historic opera house is open to
the public during the 1890 Union Fair and CNY Maple
Fest, for the bi-annual book sale.

MCGRAW
The former “Corset City”
with a waist-slimming history!
P.H. McGraw & Son kicked off
the corset craze in the 1880s,
until Warner Bros. stepped in
with a healthier alternative.
This paved the way for subsequent
companies like the McGraw Corset
Company and the Empire Corset Company,
which cinched their way up to international
CINCINNATUS fame with innovative styles such as “Never
One of the original six towns of Cortland Rust,” “Sorosis,” and “Reduzyou.”
County, Cincinnatus was the birthplace INSIDERS’ TIP | Visit McGraw Box Brewing Co., once
of Adelaide Hawley Cumming, the first home to The McGraw Box Co., known for crafting
Betty Crocker. Alice’s Dowry for the Arts corset packaging.
documents the town’s history and displays
restored antique items curated by the TRUXTON
Cincinnatus Area Heritage Society. VILLAGE OF HOMER In Truxton, baseball buffs can uncover
Don’t miss the 1820s streetlight that hung history tied to the legendary manager,
at the four corners of the town. Explore Homer beyond its charming John McGraw.
facade to uncover its fascinating ties to
INSIDERS’ TIP | The small town hosts the annual Abraham Lincoln. Dive into its history Standing at
G-Bar-T Rodeo with live music at the Rodeo Grounds to uncover how locals influenced the 5-foot-7, this fiery
(5703 Rt. 23). Irishman revolu-
legacy of the 16th president, from Francis
CITY OF Bicknell Carpenter’s iconic artwork to tionized the game
CORTLAND William Osborn Stoddard’s pivotal role with his spirited
Cortland’s musical as a presidential secretary and Eli DeVoe tactics and led the New
legacy shines with thwarting an assassination plot. York Giants to glory as a player-manager.
Ronnie James Dio, In 1938, the “Greatest Sporting Event in
a hometown hero INSIDERS’ TIP | Pick up a copy of Lincoln’s Gift from the History of Cortland County” unfolded,
turned global rock Homer, New York: “A Painter, an Editor, and a as over 8,000 fans witnessed the Truxton
Detective,” written by municipal historian Martin
icon. From his humble Sweeney at Bev & Co. Giants take on MLB powerhouse New
beginnings at Cortland High to legendary York Giants at McGraw Field (which still
status with Black Sabbath and more, his VILLAGE OF MARATHON stands today).
legacy is immortalized not just in music, Downtown Marathon boasts the INSIDERS’ TIP | Visit John McGraw’s Monument,
but also on the local map, with a street impressive Peck Memorial Library, a which stands tall today on the very sandlot where
named after the legendary metal singer: 2.5-story landmark from the 1890s. The McGraw’s baseball journey began (3674 NY-13 in
“Dio Way.” Truxton).
eclectic late-Victorian architecture origi-
INSIDERS’ TIP | Dio Day, celebrated at Cortland nally housed a library, bank, and opera
Country Music Park on July 19, is the official house. Explore remnants like the bank’s 19
hometown tribute concert dedicated to honoring
Ronnie James Dio. vault and the opera’s stage. The library’s