source: Progressive Batavian September 15-1871 ANTIQUITIES OF BATAVIA. In the Woods and Around the Streams. "Here did the trees with heavy foliage bend, And there the streams in purer rills descend." Prior to the advent of Joseph Ellicott and the survey of the Holland Company, what is now Batavia was nothing but a favorite stopping place and large camp ground of the Senecas, situate on the Wa-a-gwen-ne-go or great indian trail traversing the State from the Hudson River to Lake Erie. The locality of this camping place was on the north side of the Ta-na-wun-da (swift water) Ga-hun-da (creek), and in immediate proximity to the bridge at the head of Walnut street. It occupied a space of some two or three acres, extending from the Court House to the old Land Office. Its area was a grassy plot devoid of trees, and contained a large natural spring opposite the Land Office, which is still in use. In the indian dialect the camp ground was called De-on-go-wah, signifying "the grand hearing place." An intelligent writer says, in regard to it, "here the rapids in the Tonawanda first began to be heard, and some assert that the distant roar of Niagara could be heard by the practiced ear of the indian at this point, in certain states of the atmosphere." That author's statement is, however, a fallacy, as, we are credibly informed by the very oldest residents, who have repeatedly endeavored to hear, that is was nothing more than a heavy rustling of foliage, etc., by the wind. The trail above mentioned was a well-beaten or deeply trodden path through the forest, about one foot wide and worn from three to six inches in depth. Crossing the Gen-nis-ye-ho (beautiful valley) near Avon, it continued west until it reached the old Roswell Graham farm, about two miles east of the Court House. There, to avoid the Mount Lucy ponds and marsh in that vicinity, it bore off in a southwesterly direction, across the county fair grounds, Levi Otis' farm, etc., and came out on the east bank of the creek near the residence of A.S. Pratt and within a few rods of the "Great Bend of the Tonawanda" creek. Circling this bend, and continuing on high ground, it nearly followed the line of what is now part of Jackson and Chestnut streets, then near the banks of the creek via the camp ground to where the State arsenal now stands. Here the trail bore off northwest, through the oak openings, to the village of Cary et seq. In addition to this a summer trail or cut off w! as likewise in use when the state of the ground would permit, viz., from the Graham farm, following our present Main street to the camp ground and spring. Many interesting associations are connected with this spring. Here Ho-nau-see, for nearly half a century the head sachem of the Six Nations, the "door watcher of the people of the long house," often tarried. Here Red Jacket, the aboriginal statesman and orator, eloquently discoursed to and spell-bound his hearers. Here, likewise, did Brandt, the warrior, frequently linger. Here, also, did Cornplanter, Big Tree, Hickatoo, Blacksmith, and other chieftains meet in council. How changed the scene! Turning to the pale faces, what are their works during seventy years? Within a short distance from this spring first was heard the echo of the woodman's axe in making room for settlements. Within fifty yards was erected the first habitation of the white man in this town. In that humble dwelling was the first white child born in this village. Immediately opposite was situated the headquarters of a powerful but liberal landed corporation. In close proximity were erected the! first school house on the Holland Purchase, the first temple of justice in Western New York, and the first religious edifice in Batavia. Printing offices, railroads, telegraphs, manufacturing establishments, institutions of learning have successively sprung up within speaking distance of the "grand hearing place." Broad avenues, well paved and lighted streets, and useful water-works now occupy the ground of the primitive pathway of our predecessors. Dismissing our friends, the indians, we here insert an explanation of the reason why this place was once called "The Bend." The Tonawanda creek, though neither slippery as an eel or wiry as a snake, is a very tortuous stream. Between the villages of Batavia and Alexander the distance, by ordinary highway, is eight miles. If, however, a person were to go from one village to the other via water, it has been ascertained, by actual survey, that the traveler would have to sail twenty-three miles. Flowing from the south in a circuitous direction, the stream reaches its extreme easternmost point within the limits of the village plot. Here a large bend or turn occurs, and thereafter a westerly course is pursued. This, also, is the greatest or longest bend during the entire length of the creek. Hence, until a formal name for the locality was selected, it was for a short time designated as "The Bend." In a previous chapter we introduced the white people into this region, and we here part with our aboriginal predecessors. Our next duty will be to narrate something in regard to the location and first settlement of this village, and as we progress full details will be given of everything that, in seventy years, have transpired of public interest, both in Batavia and Genesee county. submitted by Linda Web-Page Editor: BETHANY ~ Its Past and Present ~ "The Poor House and the People," ~The Lives of Those Who Lived at the Genesee County Almshouse in Bethany During the Nineteenth Century~ http://www.arkwebshost.com/family/bluebird/TownOfBethany.shtml