History of Waterloo
Early Waterloo was a thriving industrial village. Historical events of national importance have occurred in Waterloo, and the village has given birth to many firsts! Much of the planning for the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, NY in 1848 took place in Waterloo at the Hunt and McClintock houses. Waterloo gave birth to the Memorial Day Celebration. On May 5th, 1866 Waterloo conducted the nation’s first formal, continuing remembrance of veterans who
had died in war. The Federal Government in 1966 formally recognized Waterloo as the Birthplace of Memorial Day. The Mormon religion had its birth on the Peter Whitmer Farm two miles south of Waterloo. The first Pullman car was conceived and constructed by a Waterloo man, Major Frederick Furniss. In the 1890’s funeral directors Mr. Genung of Waterloo and Mr Eckels of Philadelphia developed the first modern method of embalming.
Waterloo boasted many thriving industries, which manufactured wooden goods, wagons, pianos, organs, and other products.
Waterloo’s early success as a community can easily be attributed to it’s location within the Erie Canal system.
News & Events
We are on the lookout for news and events in Waterloo. Please check back soon for upcoming activities and reports from Waterloo!