Palmyra, New York

No ancestors lived here, but what happened here was significant in the lives of all the Johnsons.

The prehistoric Adena Culture left mounds in the area. Palmyra was part of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. The town of Palmyra was first settled by John Swift in January 1789. John Swift built the first grist mill in the town, held the first militia training, organized and donated land for the first church, the first schoolhouse and the first burial ground. His son, Asa, was the first white male child born in the town.

Originally known as Swift or Swift's Landing, the town became the District of Tolland soon after settlement began. However, a meeting was held in January 1796 for the purpose of deciding upon an official name for the town. The historic name "Palmyra" was proposed and adopted without dissent in 1796, reportedly to impress a new school teacher. There were almost one thousand people in the town in 1800. he Erie Canal was completed up to Palmyra in 1822, although the canal was not completed to its western terminus until 1825. Palmyra is part of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. [6] In 1823, the Town of Macedon was formed from part of Palmyra's territory as part of the creation of Wayne County from Ontario County.

Palmyra is regarded as the birthplace of the Mormon religion. In 1820 near Palmyra, fourteen-year-old Joseph Smith claimed to have been visited by God, the Father, and Jesus Christ. An event the Mormons call "The First Vision". In 1827, Joseph Smith is said to have been visited by the Angel Moroni and given a set of golden plates upon which were written the Book of Mormon. In 1830 in Fayette, New York, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized with a membership of six.

https://web.co.wayne.ny.us/office-of-the-county-historian/brief-history-of-palmyra-new-york/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmyra_(town),_New_York

Places to visit in and around Palmyra

  • Peter and Mary Whitmer farm, 1451 Aunkst Rd, Waterloo, NY 13165

  • Smith Farm Visitor’s Center - 843 Stafford Road, Palmyra, New York 14522

    • Sacred Grove

    • Tour Smith Homes

  • Hill Cumorah Visitor’s Center

  • Martin Harris home (no tour - just a couple of signs) 2095 Maple Ave., Palmyra, New York 1452

  • Grandin Printing Press - 217 East Main Street, Palmyra, New York 14522