Before the white man arrived in 1795, Caledonia was the chosen haunt of the Indian. They called the spring "Gan-e-o-di-ya" (small, clear lake), and the outlet "Na-gan-oose" (clear, running water). This area covered about 20 acres of the northern part of town. The Council House of the Turtle Tribe of the Senecas was only a short distance from the springs. Here, the Senecas held their races and games, and performed their feats of skill and strength. Since trout, deer, bear and wolves were plentiful, as well as plums and grapes, the Senecas made this area their favorite camping ground. The "Old Elm" Council Tree of the Senecas is gone, but a monument now stands on this site. Dated 1916, the monument honors the memory of Chief Gan-e-o-di-ya, Peace Prophet and other keepers of the Western Door.

A brief chronology of Caledonia:

1615: Etienne Brule, Scout for Champlain, visits the area.

1795-97: First permanent White Settlers to Northhampton. First tavern established.

1799: First Scottish settlers buy land: Pulteney Estate.

1802: March 30^th, Caledonia lay in the town of Southhampton.

1805: First church built; it is currently the First Presbyterian.

1806: April 4^th, area’s name changes to Caledonia.

1840: Indian Reservation at Canawaugus closes.

1864: Seth Green starts first Fish Hatchery in the United States in Caledonia.

1873: Annin Hatchery started. Caledonia Library forms.

1891: Village of Caledonia is incorporated.

1900: June 13^th: GAR monument at corner is dedicated by New York State Governor Theodore Roosevelt, who speaks at the event.

1917: Council Elm Boulder dedicated by Daughters of the American Revolution and Daioonegahno Tribe No. 272 I.O.R.M., 1916.

1938: Construction on Caledonia-Mumford School building on North Street begins.

1941-45: World War II; American Legion building built on Church Street.

1951: Caledonia-Mumford Central School District forms.

1960: New Fire Hall and Village building built on West Main Street.

1964: Robert F. Kennedy campaigns in Caledonia.

1991: Centennial Celebration, 1891-1991.

1996: Big Springs Historical Society Museum celebrates its 60^th anniversary, 1936-1996.

This information was compiled by Mary Elliott Boyd, Mrs. A.B. Johnson, Esther Hayward and Judith Stone Adams, current Town and Village Historian.