Historic New York

	            This is Mohawk Country

     The majestic Mohawk Valley has been the scene of many key events  
which have helped to shape the character and destiny of New York State. 
and the nation.  This was once the home of the proud Mohawks, one of  
the main tribes of the powerful six-nation Iroquois Confederacy.  As 
the main gateway between the Adirondack Mountains and the Allegheny 
Plateau, the valley came to be used by French-Catholic missionaries, 
land-hungry settlers moving west, foreign travelers, French and Indian 
raiders, British tory, and American troops.  During the French and  
Indian War, and the American Revolution, it was a vital center of  
Action -- the main highway for east-west communication and a major 
point of contact between the contending armies. 

     The Erie Canal and New York Central Railroad followed the valley 
route and gave a new direction to its history.  Internal improvements 
led to intensive settlement and industrial growth.  While the valley 
has changed in many ways over the years, it still retains one element 
of the past -- its incomparable beauty.

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This marker is located on River View Drive in Cranesville, just off route 5, just east of Amsterdam, NY. There is a similar marker at the rest area off route 5, just east of The Noses.