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Old French Portage Road/New York State Route 394
saved
threat: inappropriately designed road improvement project
The Old French Portage Road is an important part of the history and beauty of the Chautauqua region in Western New York. Originally a Native American trail, by 1615 French explorers had begun to use the route as a link between the Great Lakes and the Ohio River Valley. The nine miles of hilly terrain between Chautauqua Lake and Lake Erie was a critical section in this larger transportation network. Much of the present road between the villages of Mayville and Westfield was built in 1753 by French military engineer Hugh Peon and a work force of 200 men when the French had control of lands between Canada and Louisiana.
Today the historic and scenic qualities of the Old French Portage
Route and its continuation along the south shore of Chautauqua
Lake are at risk due to state highway projects planned for NYS
Route 394, which serves as a connector between I-86 and the New
York State Thruway. As one of the main corridors to the Chautauqua
region, which is famed for its history and architecture, how NYS
Route 394 is treated could have a profound impact on the area’s
tourist economy. Residents note that some of the planned
highway work does indeed represent an improvement but fear that
overbuilding the road, straightening its course, and removing trees
will stress an already busy route, reducing the livability of the
historic villages and farms along its course.
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