Waterloo brings to life the preparations for the first women’s rights convention in the United States over two days in July 1848. Also featured are the Memorial Day commemoration and the eastern endpoint of the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail. These offer different focuses to consider when planning your trip: historical events and a trail.

Women’s Rights History Over Two Days in July

On July 9, 1848, Jane Hunt hosted Lucretia Mott at her home for a social gathering. Those present decided to convene the first women’s rights convention in the United States. A week later, on July 16, Mary Ann M'Clintock held a planning meeting for the First Women's Rights Convention at the M'Clintock House. This sequence distinguishes two steps in the preparations: Hunt’s gathering produced the decision to convene the convention; planning for it was the focus at the M'Clintock House.

At this meeting, Mary Ann M'Clintock, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and possibly others drafted the Declaration of Sentiments. Mary Ann and Thomas M'Clintock lived at the M'Clintock House in Waterloo. Both were organizers of the 1848 women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls and participants in the Underground Railroad. This connects the specific planning meeting with two distinct areas of activity by the residents.

Planning a Visit to the M'Clintock House

The house is open seasonally during ranger programs, while the grounds are accessible year-round. Check the current schedule if you plan to visit the house. This distinguishes the house’s seasonal opening from the year-round access to the grounds.

Memorial Day and Local Remembrance

The Memorial Day History Room in Waterloo features an exhibit about the 1966 centennial, which led to Waterloo being recognized as the birthplace of Memorial Day. Another exhibit presents 19th-century images, poems, and prose. The two exhibits emphasize different periods: Waterloo’s recognition in connection with the centennial and older visual and written records. “Centennial” refers to a 100th anniversary and explains the exhibit’s historical context.

The Sullivan’s March Monument at Seneca Lake in Waterloo has a different historical connection. Along Route 5 & 20, it commemorates the troops’ march along the lakeshore. Its focus is a military march, while the Memorial Day History Room centers on the holiday and Waterloo’s recognition.

The Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail

The canal trail offers another focus for planning your trip. The eastern endpoint of the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail is accessible near Lock #4 in Waterloo. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out. This is different from the visit conditions at the M'Clintock House, which is open seasonally during ranger programs.

Discover more destinations: Seneca Falls

For the main travel overview: Seneca County.