Onondaga Creek
The settlement that became Syracuse arose in a forested swampy area at the creek outlet in the early 1800s as a result of the state of NY constructing the Erie Canal and developing salt production on the shores of Onondaga Lake. From this time forward, the natural meandering flood plain of the creek was periodically channelized and straightened to facilitate uncontrolled development of the creek-side and flood plain upstream towards the Onondaga Nation Reservation. A "progress"-based economic cycle involved land developers purchasing farmland and building in the adjacent rural towns, followed by flooding, sewage, water supply, and school crises. The city of Syracuse would then respond to petitions by the new homeowners and businesses to formally ask the state legislature to annex these lands. By the turn of the twentieth century, this cycle accelerated due to the city acquiring water rights to Skaneatles lake, and the development of street car lines.
Industry in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse China was a manufacturer of fine china. The company was founded in 1871 as Onondaga Pottery Company (O.P. Co.). In the late 19th century, the company changed its name and began producing fine china, for which it found a strong market in hotels, restaurants, and railroad dining cars. The company closed in 2009 when it was bought out by Libbey, Inc. of Toledo, Ohio. Syracuse China is still manufactured today, however, all production was moved out of North America.