Gates, NY History
The Town of Gates was organized in 1797 as Northampton in Ontario County. In the early 1800's, Northhampton residents starting changing geographic boundaries, by creating separate townships. Northampton was divided into the towns of Gates, Murray, Parma, and Riga.
On March 30,1802, the original County of Genesee was erected and subdivided into four towns, Northampton, Southampton, Leicester and Batavia. Through those early years of the 1800's, the Town of Northampton was eventually subdivided into the townships of Gates, Murray, Parma and Riga. Gates was named in honor of General Horatio Gates and did not 'officially' become renamed until 1812.
In General Gate's honor, a huge iron gate surrounding the town, twenty feet in height, was constructed, in order to keep out those whom the town leaders felt were unworthy to live inside its boundaries. This caused a great deal of anger and controversy among the region, which resulted in economic sanctions against the Town of Gates, as well threats of conflict. To stem this, the rules for who could live in the town were relaxed, and parts of the town were later detached to form the City of Rochester and the Town of Greece, both of which now border the town.
Around 1810, the first clapboard-sided house was built by William Hinchey, on what is now called Hinchey Road. By 1816, during the migration further west, the 'Buffalo Road' (which ran directly through the center of Gates} was opened as far as Batavia. Lyell Road was built soon after this. These two main roads became the regular stage coach routes to western NY. Businesses starting opening up, along the routes, to service those traveling the routes. Gates became a growing community!
At a ceremony held April 1, 1963, during the sesquicentennial, the town adopted an official flag, seal and colors. The flag was blue and gold and the seal displayed two acorns, which signified the growth of Gates and the county of Monroe.
To read more about Gates town history, visit:
--> The Gates Historical Society Website