The Road That Time (Almost) Forgot
The Cortland County Historical Society invites the brave and the curious to join Val Ross for a journey down one of Central New York’s oldest and oddest byways: Joseph Chaplin’s Old State Road. First carved through the Military Tract in 1796, this rugged route connected Oxford to Cayuga Lake—cutting through what would become a string of towns, tragedies, and tantalizing tales.

From Horse-Killer Hill to Bloody Pond, Texas Valley to Messengerville, each bend in the road holds a story—some documented, others whispered. With old maps, construction history, and spicy accounts of what went down along the way, Ross’s presentation promises to be more than just a dusty detour into the past.

Lunch is strictly BYO, but the Historical Society will sweeten the deal with a beverage and dessert. Come for the history, stay for the scandal.

This event will take place at the former Free Methodist Church at 9 Grace Street, Cortland.

Please call 607-756-6071 with any questions.