The Upstate Archives©
A site that shares Upstate NY history
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The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and it’s influences
They acted as six independent nations under one central government. They had representatives, called sachems. They met at the Grand Council of the Confederacy, where they debated and discussed a wide variety of issues, but a key difference in their form of government and the United States was…
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Fast Facts: The Potato Chip
One of the most famous snacks in America actually started in Upstate New York. And that is…. the potato chip. And no, I’m not going to yell at you to stop eating them, instead how about you grab a bag well you read the history behind how they came to be.
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Fast Facts: The start of NY
At this time in United States history, the United States was still at war with the British Empire and did not yet have its own Constitution. The Articles of Confederation had not yet been fully ratified, meaning the country was still in a very early and unstable stage of government.
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Lauren Belfer’s City of Light accounts of Buffalo
Buffalo is a beloved city, with a long history. A place that has been at the center of arts in NY, a place that made talented authors create best selling books. A place that gets its culture from two different countries. At it’s heart sits Niagara Falls
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![[Satire] What is Upstate?](https://upstatearchives.wnywebsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_1465-1.jpeg)
[Satire] What is Upstate?
Does it start below Binghamton? Is it whatever New York City says it is? Is it based on Interstate 84? Or is it just farmland and anything is just its own section?
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Fun Fact Monday: Seth Flint
Appomattox Court House, April 1865| image via public domain Seth Flint is not a household name, but his role in the final moments of the Civil War ties him directly to one of the most important turning points in American history. Flint was the Union soldier who sounded the surrender call during the meeting between Ulysses
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Fun Fact Monday: The Dunkirk Lighthouse
What is so special about the lighthouse on Point Gratiot? Legend has it’s haunted from past wars when America was just finding it’s identity in 1812……
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Mountains and Native Americans
Gondolas are something many people remember experiencing for the first time. The view from the top is often filled with trees, a bright blue sky and people below who look like ants
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What are Herkimer Diamonds?
When most people hear the name “Herkimer Diamonds,” nothing really important comes to mind. Most people assume that it’s just a type of diamond that grows a certain way. Well, if that’s what you are assuming, you are half right. Herkimer Diamonds aren’t diamonds at all…
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Welcome to the Upstate Archives
Have you ever wondered what history there is in New York outside of New York City? Do you get upset when you tell a non-New Yorker that you are from New York and they assume you are from New York City? Are you a person who loves to explore, or do you like learning interesting