Reflections on Big Spring

Reflections on Big Spring is a thoughtfully researched, highly readable celebration of the rich heritage of the Genesee River Valley, Pittsford, New York and the Big Spring that drew generations of Americans to the area.

The naming rights to an area legitimately belong to those who reside in the region over the most extended period of time. “Genesee” translates from the Seneca language to “Pleasant Valley” and was the name ascribed by the indigenous Seneca Tribe to the Genesee River Valley during the five hundred years they called it their home. By this standard, the village of Pittsford, New York could be forever known as “Big Spring”; the name used by the Seneca to describe its plentiful supply of clean, fresh water ascending from its substantial natural spring.

The defining topographical features of the area are the parallel riparian corridors formed by the Genesee River and Irondequoit Creek. Both are contrarian; flowing south to north before entering Lake Ontario. The independent-minded pioneers that settled Pleasant Valley also refused to be bound by tradition. They departed the relative safety of New England to take on substantial risk and uncertainty to start a new life on America's western frontier. These pioneers were by nature, strong-willed risk-takers who were seeking the well-publicized “agricultural el dorado” that awaited them in the Genesee Valley.

Their arrival was greeted with predictable trepidation by the equally proud and independent Seneca Nation; the elite fighting force of the mighty Iroquois Confederacy. The capital of their sovereign nation was located at or near present-day Pittsford. Among the remarkable tribal chiefs who resided here was Red Jacket, one of the most gifted orators of the 19th century. Despite having no formal classroom education, his speeches inspired both his constituents and recent immigrants from New England. In response to his “white brothers” urging that his people reject the Iroquois' Great Spirit and embrace Christianity, he stated:

"Brother, the Great Spirit has made us all, but He has made a great difference between His white and His red children. Since He has made so great a difference between us in other things, why may we not conclude that He has given us a different religion according to our understanding? … He knows what is best for His children; we are satisfied. Brother, we do not wish to destroy your religion or take it from you. We only want to enjoy our own… We understand that your religion is written in a Book. If it was intended for us, as well as you, why has not the Great Spirit given to us, and… to our forefathers the knowledge of that Book, with the means of understanding it rightly. We only know what you tell us about it… If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?”

Among the colorful early 19th century residents, Pittsford's Captain Israel Stone was declared the “Hero of Charlotte” as a result of his masterful charade to convince the British Fleet that his contingent of soldiers numbered in the hundreds rather than the dozens. His timeless, quotable mandates …”don't let them pollute our soil…if they come ashore, they will wade in blood knee deep” are examples of what makes the area's history compelling. If Colonel Caleb Hopkins had not been able to quickly muster 600 reinforcements into his 52nd Infantry Regiment (of Pittsford), to come to the aid of Captain Stone, the British would have surely taken Rochester and the outcome of the War of 1812 perhaps significantly altered.

Reflections on Big Spring follows the lives of resident humanitarians Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony as their inspired civil rights efforts make history. Consider the courage displayed by lesser-known local heroes who farmed, taught school or ran stores during the day and became “conductors” on the area's Underground Railroad after dark. Oral histories of secret passages, tunnels, caverns and hidden rooms take readers on the “last 100 miles to freedom” ride.