History of Canisteo
Early Settlement
The Town of Canisteo was first settled on Christmas Day in 1789.
Railroad Development
The Erie Railroad ran the first train through the Canisteo Valley on May 14, 1851. Following the arrival of the railroad, industries developed along Depot Street, providing employment opportunities for local residents.
Incorporation and Growth
With continued growth of the community, the Village of Canisteo was incorporated in 1873.
In 1895, the New York & Pennsylvania Railway connected the southwestern part of Steuben County, NY, and northern Potter County, PA, to the Erie Railroad. As a result:
- Railway headquarters were moved to the Village in 1899
- A repair shop was established in 1900
The “World’s Largest Living Sign”
Featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the “World’s Largest Living Sign” consists of 260 pine trees spelling out:
C A N I S T E O
This historic landmark is located on a hillside behind the elementary school on Greenwood Street in the Village of Canisteo. It was designed and planted in 1933 by Harry Smith and Ed Childs.
Town Historian
The Town Historian is responsible for recording and researching the local history of the Town and Village of Canisteo.
Historian Contact Information:
- Name: Steve Cotton
- Phone: 607-661-3515
- Email: historian@townofcanisteony.gov
Additional Information and Resources
Genealogy
Kanestio Historical Society
Website: Kanestio Historical Society Official Website