Time to blaze the ‘Courage Trail’ – Opinion – Utica Observer Dispatch

In the past, Oneida County was referred to as Americas County. Rightly so.

Oneida County has as much, if not more, people and events connection to Americas history than any region in the nation.

From the Great Pass of the 15th Century to the moon landings of the 20th Century and much in between, Oneida County has led America on her quest for independence to her conquest of outer space.

A special national event occurred within our venerable borders. The 1777 example of bravery and courage was evident in General Herkimer s march to relieve the siege of Fort Schuyler (Stanwix). The stalemate battle at Oriskany by the brave colonial farmer-soldiers with Indian allies thwarting the British advance led to the American victory at Saratoga, and independence for a new bold experiment in mans quest for an independent moral, democratic nation.

The route of march of these early patriots is somewhat marked and at one time more easily accessible.

As Philadelphia has its Liberty Trail and Boston its Freedom Trail, the Mohawk Valley also has a similar connection to the Revolutionary War with its Courage Trail.

There has been much support of our local history development with efforts by the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica, The Oneida County History Center (formerly Oneida County Historical Society), Rome Historical Society and others including the present county administrations support for local history projects. As the county historian, I am proud of the work of the above citizens.

It would be a huge advancement for our regional history tourism if we develop and promote the Courage Trail.

It is time to form a Courage Trail Commission to further develop and promote the trail project. This group would best be composed of stakeholders from each of the history groups in the Mohawk Valley, plus local government entities.

The interest and energy in local history of many folks in our area, along with a county executive who understands and embraces such development, makes this a mandated decision.

Regardless of one reservation, I applaud the work of this county administration with the resurgence of the Bagg Square District, the ongoing development of the entertainment district, the development at Griffiss Business and Technology Park and recent news about the Marcy Nano Center, all indicative of a region on the cusp of making a breakthrough to becoming a go-to area for visitors.

One must recognize the positive approach of the Observer-Dispatch editorial board in heralding the good happenings in our region.

There are a number of stone markers along the route presently in place, sponsored by The Daughters of the American Revolution that need to be enhanced and developed for tourist use.

This development would complete the opportunity for promoting the vast Revolutionary War history of Oneida County joining with Fort Stanwix National Park, and the Oriskany Battlefield. Coupled with the Erie-Barge Canalway Trail and the Trail to Freedom (abolition history of Oneida County) this package would then be marketed as a complete visit for those who have an interest in Americas great story.

Adding such significant history venues to the tourism revenue stream is a gift waiting to be received. Oneida County is certainly on the move in a positive direction recently and needs to seize the opportunity to move it forward.

An increase in history tourism could dovetail with the other advancements for visitor revenue, such as: the U District, the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium and the on-going development of the Harbor Point project. Respect for the brave, patriotic souls of our early years would be an honorable, positive outcome.

Joe Bottini is Oneida County historian.

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Time to blaze the 'Courage Trail' - Opinion - Utica Observer Dispatch