Discover the Town of Canandaigua

Discover our Past:

Discover the rich history of Canandaigua, a town with roots dating back to 1791 when it was officially established. Our first town meeting was held that year, with Israel Chapin serving as the inaugural supervisor. Initially, the town and village were one entity until 1815, when the village was officially recognized, and later became a city in 1913, creating the distinct City and Town of Canandaigua.

The original Town of Canandaigua encompassed not just the city, but also the areas of Cheshire, Centerfield, and Academy, which still fall within its boundaries today. Explore the history of these regions, including Cheshire and Academy, and learn about the now-defunct hamlet of Padelford Station. This historic location, situated near County Road 8 and the Farmington Town Line, played a significant role as a postal village and was an essential stop for supplying wood to steam engines at its passenger station.

Join us in celebrating the heritage of Canandaigua, where the past and present come together to tell a fascinating story of growth and change.

Discover our Historic Maps or visit the Ontario County Historical Society for more history on the Town of Canandaigua!