Birthplace of Western NYS; Home Of the Carrousel; Trout Town USA

As an inveterate road warrior, having driven thousands of miles around Upstate New York writing, researching, and interviewing for my dozen travel guides, I always carried a little notebook on the passenger seat of my car   with me.  Every time I came through a small town or village that had its claim to fame written right on their welcome sign, I jotted it down.  The list ended up being pretty amazing.  And I turned it into a book that a lot of people have purchased and enjoyed.

The book, "Signs of Distinction:  The History of New York State As Told By 51 Welcome Signs" was published by the State University of New York Press.

So, if you are like me, your curiosity is stirred when you read a sign that welcomes you to "The Heart of the Black Dirt Region."  Or maybe "The Colored Slate Capital of the World."  Or even "The Birthplace of Western New York."  How about "Trout Town, USA?"  All curious, right?

Well, I always did in fact stop, snoop around, chat with people, visit the library or historical society, and I came up with the answer or statements posed by 51 small communities in New York State that declare their claim to fame at the edge of town on their welcome signs.

The stories are amazing, head-scratching, and, for the most part, obscure and little known.

Perfect for other road warriors who hunger for the unknown stories of our Upstate New York region.

You will enjoy this gallery!