Town of Lysander Clerk Archival Records Listing

The Town of Lysander was established in 1794. It has an approximate size of 61.9 square miles. It is located west of Clay, northwest of Onondaga Lake, and north of Van Buren. The main routes of travel are State Routes 31 and 370. When Onondaga County was erected in 1794, Lysander kept its classical name, and was given a large area of territory, including Hannibal, Granby, and the area known today as Cicero, and Clay. In the summer months, the Seneca and Oswego Rivers were often traveled by Indians in canoes, and hunting parties from The Onondagas and Cayugas. In 1821, slavery was abolished here, but slaves were not totally free until 1830. Due to the construction of the railroad, and its passing through, Lysander undoubtedly reaped the benefits of a more modern method of travel than shipping. In 1850, the culture of tobacco began, and grew to become a great industry over the next twenty-five years.