stories in history

Syracuse is a city rich in history. From the origins of democracy with the Haudenosaunee Confederacy to salt-mining and the Erie Canal, the stories of Syracuse are many. Discover some of our lesser known historical tales and visit Syracuse to unearth some of your own

The flying elephant

Did you know that the classic story of Dumbo originated in Syracuse? “Dumbo: The Flying Elephant” was written by Helen Aberson Pearl (Helen Mayer) and her husband Harold Pearl before being sold to another Syracusan, Everett Whitmyre, who suggested they sell the story to Walt Disney. Disney quickly gave the couple an offer agreeing to publish the story and make it into a movie. A third collaborator on the project, Helen Durney was also a Syracuse native. Durney is believed to have created the original sketches and illustrations for the story. Durney’s papers, including drawings related to Dumbo, can be found at Syracuse University in the library archives.

Long-lost friends

The beloved children’s book illustrator and author, Eric Carle, was born right here in Syracuse, NY! Author of the world-renowned story, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” Carle, fondly remembered his childhood days in Syracuse. In fact, Carle hoped his book “Friends” would help him find a friend he knew from Syracuse when he was three years old, before his family moved back to Germany when he was six. Eventually in 2015, another Syracuse native and author, Sean Kirst, helped Carle find and reconnect with this childhood friend, Flo. Just recently a sign was installed outside Carle’s childhood home on John Street in Syracuse.

The daughter of Jermain Lougen, once hailed as the “Underground Railroad King,” Dr. Sarah Lougen Fraser was a local African-American leader in her own right. In 1876, Lougen became the first African-American female graduate from Syracuse University’s Medical College and one of the first four AfricanAmerican female doctors in the nation. By 1883, Lougen had moved to the Dominican Republic and became the first female physician in the history of the Dominican Republic. Lougen eventually moved back to Syracuse, settling on Wescott Street while continuing to practice. She later moved to Washington, D.C. to be with her daughter. She is remembered locally through the Dr. Sarah Lougen Fraser Center, Upstate Medical University’s children’s health clinic located on Salina Street. Find out more about the Lougen family with the Freedom Bound exhibit at the Onondaga Historical Association . Considered the epicenter of the women’s rights movement, the Finger Lakes region celebrates trailblazers such as Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Iroquois matriarchs who paved the way toward a brighter future for women across the country. Celebrate the forward-thinking female pioneers of the region by exploring historic landmarks and destinations through Brave Women FLX ’s recommended sites (fingerlakestravelny.com).

Visit Onondaga Historical Association

Madison County

To the east, Madison County offers up lakes, fine dining, gaming, vino and more. With the kids?

Conveniently located right off the New York State Thruway (I-90) & a short drive from Syracuse is The Wild Animal Park of Chittenango, an incredible animal adventure park where families can get up close and personal with exotic wildlife. Immerse yourself in more waterfall wonders with Chittenango

Falls & Delphi Falls parks — both open to the public and both equally impressive. Feeling lucky? YBR

Casino & Sports Book features the largest sports book in New York State, with 400+ Vegas-style slots and 14 classic tables, as well as indoor golf, dining, virtual gaming, bowling, restaurants, bars, live music & more. In Cazenovia, stroll the quaint main street and grab a bite and a pint at the Lincklaen House, a charming 19th century landmark featuring a fullservice restaurant, Seven Stone Steps basement tavern, outdoor dining and brick-oven pizzeria.