Some 142 years after the Discovery landed near Jamestown VA, French officer, Celeron de Bienville (aka de Blainville), led an expedition from Montreal, across Lake Erie to the mouth of Chautauqua Creek. A scout for explorer, de Champlain, had discovered the creek in 1615. Celeron's goal in 1749 was to strengthen France's claim to the vast Ohio River valley. The French knew that a portage route between Erie and Chautauqua lakes, a distance of less than five miles, would connect with the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. French soldiers widened the original Indian trail in 1753. It is still known as French Portage Road. The Seven Years' War, known as the French and Indian War in the colonies, ended France's influence in the Americas. It was almost 50 years after Celeron's expedition before Americans moved into the area.
Pennsylvanians settled in present-day Westfield, NY in 1802. Landmark Acres, an 1802 two-story barn, is the oldest building in Chautauqua County. It has been a high quality antique shop in Westfield since 1946. The barn houses a variety of antiques, art, and collectibles. New York created the county of Chautauqua in 1808. The unique Bemis/Stowe ferry service began in 1811. It still operates for cars and passengers. Settlers planted the first grapes in 1818, not knowing the area would become one of the premier grape-growing regions of the country.
In Mayville, the farmhouse, now known as Great Tree Country Inn & Stables (c. 1820), was built. Guests enjoy luxury accommodations in a historic country estate setting. Seven themed guest rooms have all-season fireplaces, king or queen beds and modern amenities. Public areas include three living rooms with cozy fireplaces. Great Tree is open year-round and offers a dinner package fall-through-spring. The fully equipped Stables are also originals and provide boarding services for guests' horses. The resident menagerie also lives at the stables, delighting most guests. The first steamboat on the lake was built in 1827 and the first profitable grape harvest occurred three years later. Then, just east of Westfield, Brick House Bed & Breakfast (c. 1840) was built on what is now Route 20. The former Gothic Revival-style residence offers guests a choice of five plush rooms with modern amenities and private baths. Guests also enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet.
Pennsylvanians settled in present-day Westfield, NY in 1802. Landmark Acres, an 1802 two-story barn, is the oldest building in Chautauqua County. It has been a high quality antique shop in Westfield since 1946. The barn houses a variety of antiques, art, and collectibles. New York created the county of Chautauqua in 1808. The unique Bemis/Stowe ferry service began in 1811. It still operates for cars and passengers. Settlers planted the first grapes in 1818, not knowing the area would become one of the premier grape-growing regions of the country.
In Mayville, the farmhouse, now known as Great Tree Country Inn & Stables (c. 1820), was built. Guests enjoy luxury accommodations in a historic country estate setting. Seven themed guest rooms have all-season fireplaces, king or queen beds and modern amenities. Public areas include three living rooms with cozy fireplaces. Great Tree is open year-round and offers a dinner package fall-through-spring. The fully equipped Stables are also originals and provide boarding services for guests' horses. The resident menagerie also lives at the stables, delighting most guests. The first steamboat on the lake was built in 1827 and the first profitable grape harvest occurred three years later. Then, just east of Westfield, Brick House Bed & Breakfast (c. 1840) was built on what is now Route 20. The former Gothic Revival-style residence offers guests a choice of five plush rooms with modern amenities and private baths. Guests also enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet.
