Situated east of Geneva, between the two main Finger Lakes, Waterloo is a village in Seneca County. Originally, in the year 1500, the area was the settlement of Native American village Skoiyaise. Literally meaning “flowing water”, the area was highly valued for its great supply of fish, especially eels, in the Seneca River. During the Revolutionary War, the Native Americans were in support of the British. It was due to this reason that George Washington gave orders to General Sullivan, and thus, the village was destroyed in 1779. Incorporated and renamed in 1824, and again in 1866, Waterloo is the namesake of Waterloo, Belgium, where the Battle of Waterloo marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

 

Steeped in history, Waterloo celebrated its very first Memorial Day on May 5th, 1866. On that day, the Village lowered its flags to half mast, and Veterans and Residents were invited to march in parades to the three village cemeteries. Once there, they decorated the graves and held ceremonies to honor the fallen soldiers. Since 1866, Waterloo has been annually observing Memorial Day and honoring the Veteran Soldiers. The Village was officially designated The Birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966 by then President Lyndon B. Johnson. Neighboring Seneca Falls, the Village of Waterloo was also a great supporter of the Women’s Rights Movement. Much of the planning for the very first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, took place in Waterloo at the homes of suffragettes. The M’Clintock House in Waterloo is the site where the Declaration of Sentiments was drafted, proclaiming that “all men and women are created equal”. Today, the home is part of the National Historic Park System.

 

It is easy to fall in love with Waterloo and the charm that comes from living in a smaller town. Located in the village are two, longtime favorite eateries among locals, Mac’s Drive In and Connie’s Diner. Operating for 60 years and 32 years respectively, these establishments have garnered excellent community reputations from their unique atmospheres, friendly service, and of course, their delicious food! Visit Mac’s for a Root Beer Float, or stop at Connie’s for their famous gravy covered burger and fries, “The Quickie”.

 

The Waterloo School District covers approximately 85 square miles and consists of four schools. Responsible for the education of around 1600 students, there is one primary school, one intermediate school, one middle school, and one high school. The Waterloo School District takes great pride in having the opportunity to provide educational enrichment to community.