Page 18 - 2026 Orleans County Travel Guide

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TOWN GAiNES

14087 Ridge Rd West, Albion
(585) 589-4592............................................................townofgaines.gov

The Culvert by The Town of Gaines, in Orleans County, has retained its
Robyn Boisvert Ottaviano agricultural roots since its founding in 1809. Early settlers faced
hardships, but the arrival of the Erie Canal in 1825 connected
TOWN riDGEWAy the area to larger markets, spurring growth in communities
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like Gaines Village and Eagle Harbor. Though it lost its bid to
410 West Ave., Medina become the county seat, Gaines developed thriving businesses,
(585) 798-0730......................................................townridgeway.org a Masonic lodge, and the Gaines Academy, solidifying its place
as a growing community.
The Town of Ridgeway, which was formed in1812, is Agriculture has always defined Gaines, from early wheat and
situated in the west central part of Orleans County. It was bean farming to 20th-century tomato production and sprawl-
named for the Ridge Road which crosses the town from east ing orchards. Social life centered on churches, the Grange,
to west. Geological factors combined to bless the area with and general stores, with the community rebuilding after fires.
fertile soil and an abundant water supply. Topographical Today, Gaines continues its legacy as a resilient farming hub,
factors favored the development of the Ridge Road and blending history with its enduring agricultural identity.
the Erie Canal, transportation routes which were vital to the The main attraction in the Town of Gaines and throughout
success of the town’s agriculture and quarrying industries. Ridge Road is the cobblestone architecture and home of the
The distinctive blue and yellow historic markers chronicle Cobblestone Museum complex.
the town’s history - the location of the first tavern in the area
at Ridgeway Corners, the site of the first religious society in COBBLESTONE MUSEUM
Knowlesville, the home of inventor D.A.A. Buck in Medina, 14389 Ridge Road, Albion
and the most dramatic of all – the must-see Medina Culvert, 585-589-9013 .......................................................cobblestonemuseum.org • f
on Culvert Road, the only place on the whole length of the The only museum dedicated to cobblestone masonry in the world, the
Erie Canal where a road goes under the canal. Cobblestone Museum showcases a unique and beautiful construction
The Amish & Mennonite communities have built busi- method using glacial and water-washed stones. This National Historic
nesses in the town of Ridgeway and Yates such as the Landmark offers guided
tours of seven 19th
market and nurseries, primarily along Ridge Road. Please be century buildings
cautious and respectful as they travel by horse & buggies housing artifacts
and bicycles. from the Victorian Era
(1837-1901) including
TOWN SHELBy the oldest cobblestone
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church in North America
and the cobblestone
4062 Salt Works Rd., Medina parsonage once owned
(585) 798-3120....................................................townofshelbyny.org by Horace Greeley. Call
or visit our website for
The Town of Shelby is part of the Greater Medina Area. It’s hours. (See more info on
popular destination is the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge that’s page 31.)
located on the border of Orleans/Genesee counties, 5 miles south
of Medina. (Refer to pages 30-31.)

TOWN BArrE ©Doug Farley
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14317 W. Barre Rd, Albion
(585) 589-5100...................................................townofbarreny.com its development and prosperity. Judge Lee’s family settled in
the area in 1816, drawn by its fresh springs and fertile lands.
The Town of Barre, originally hunting grounds for the His leadership at early town meetings led to Barre's official
Iroquois and earlier civilizations, was established through land name in 1818. Over the years, the town evolved, with roads
purchases beginning in 1818 from the Holland Land Company. like Lee Road and Oak Orchard Road connecting key areas, and
Barre’s land, rich in soil and natural resources, supported agriculture shaping its economy.
diverse agriculture, enabling settlers to cultivate crops, despite Today, Barre, A Right to Farm Community, is known for its
challenges posed by swamps and dense forests. annual Square Dance in the Park in June and Lighted Tractor
Named after Barre, Massachusetts, the town owes its name Parade in December. The Pine Hill Airport, a private airport is
to Judge John Lee, an influential settler who advocated for home to WNY Skydiving.

PAGE 18 ORLEANSCOUNTYTOURISM.COM • 585-589-3100