2025 marks an incredible milestone for Orleans County, NY—our 200th anniversary! It’s also the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, which officially opened on October 26, 1825. Orleans County, founded in April 1825, spans 396 square miles, with 24 miles of stunning Lake Ontario shoreline.

Why the Ox? A Tribute to Our Pioneering Roots

As we prepare to commemorate this historic year, you may have heard that the ox has been chosen as our bicentennial mascot. But why the ox?

How the Settlers Arrived

In the early 1800s, Orleans County was a rugged, untamed land. The first settlers traveled here from other states, often making weeks-long journeys with ox-drawn wagons and sleds. Unlike horses, oxen could handle rough terrain, dense forests, and heavy loads, making them indispensable for early pioneers.

• David Matson built the first log cabin in Clarendon in 1814, using oxen to haul massive back-logs into his first shanty.
• Warren Glidden and his brother Thomas took 14 days to travel from Essex County to Holley using two ox teams.
• Rueben Bennett and his wife made their way through the woods to Hindsburg Road in an ox cart.

Building a New Life

Once settled, pioneers needed strong, steady animals to clear thick forests, plow fields, and transport goods. The ox was the ultimate workhorse, helping turn wilderness into farmland.

• Lansing Bailey arrived in Albion in 1812 with his family, traveling by sled pulled by two yoke of oxen.
• Stephen Paine moved to Barre with a yoke of oxen and steers, navigating through Ridge Road from Rochester.
• John Buckland arrived in Barre in 1818 in a canvas-covered wagon pulled by oxen, living on his land until 1848.

Even social events relied on oxen! The first Independence Day ball in Albion, held on July 4, 1819, saw couples arriving in lumber wagons drawn by oxen.

A Common Sight Across Orleans County

From Clarendon to Kendall, Murray to Shelby, Yates to Barre, oxen were the backbone of pioneer life

• Mr. Manley moved to Kendall in 1815, returning to Massachusetts to marry before making the journey back with three yoke of oxen and a massive covered wagon.
• Nathaniel Brown and his wife settled in Kendall with three yoke of oxen and went on to raise ten children.
• Oliver Day and Captain Paphrius Beebe traveled from Vermont to Murray in 1815 using two yoke of oxen and a wagon.
• Amos Gregory arrived in Shelby in 1817, making the journey from Vermont in a sled pulled by two yoke of oxen.
• Samuel and Matthew Gregory traveled from Vermont with a caravan of ox teams, converting their sleds to wagons in Auburn, NY due to deep mud.
• Clark Harvey, born in Middletown, Connecticut in 1784, brought his wife, two children, and two yoke of oxen to Yates in 1817.

The Lasting Legacy of the Ox

The pioneers who settled Orleans County arrived with determination, resilience, and a vision for a better future. But they didn’t do it alone. The ox was their companion, their lifeline, and their source of strength, helping them clear land, plow fields, and build homes.

As we celebrate 200 years of Orleans County, we honor not just the pioneers who shaped our towns, but also the oxen that made it all possible. Their strength, endurance, and unwavering reliability are a fitting tribute to our county’s rich history.

Join the Celebration!

Throughout 2025, we’ll be hosting bicentennial events that highlight Orleans County’s incredible history. Keep an eye out for ways to participate and celebrate our county's history!

Special thanks to Melissa Ierlan, Clarendon Historian, (pictured) for researching the history and oxen's significance in the development of Orleans County!