2017 - Historic Walking Tours
Experience the region's history as it comes alive while you walk the streets, view the sites, and learn about historic Main Street, the destruction and havoc of the War of 1812, the importance of the river to the growth of the farming community, our communities role as a station on the Underground Railroad, and Youngstown ghosts that still haunt homes and buildings in the village.
​
Check out the picture galleries below of the narrated walking tours that took place a few years ago. The Historic Walking Tours were sponsored by the Youngstown Heritage Tours and Tourism Committee in conjunction with the Town of Porter Historical Society.
Historic Main Street
Join Mrs. Ada Steele, whose husband built the famous El Dorado Hotel, as she tells the story of Youngstown's past. On your walk, you will visit the commerical district on Main Street and walk by homes of the merchants who prospered as the community grew. The tour focuses on the period 1815-1915.
​
Women and the War of 1812
A woman's view of the War of 1812 as told by Mrs. Agnes Greensitt focuses on the families who resided in the hamlet of Young's town in the early 1800's and how they survived the War of 1812 when the hamlet was burnt by the British. The tour focuses on the period 1750-1815.
The Lower Niagara River and Youngstown Water Front
​
The importance of the Lower Niagara River to the development of the hamlet of Young's town is the focus of this tour. Learn how the river effected the community's development, and visit historic sites along the river bank which tell the story of the region. The tour focuses on the period 1700-2000.
The Underground Railroad
This tour concentrates on the history of the Underground Railroad and the role of Youngstown residents who helped escaping slaves cross the Lower Niagara River to reach freedom in Canada. The tour focuses on the period 1820-1860.
​
​
Youngstown Hauntings "Grave Matters"
October 7, 2017 (5:30-8 pm)
Meet at the Universal Cemetery at Church and Second Streets
​
Visit a Youngstown cemetery and hear the stories of Youngstown ghosts and the homes and buildings they haunt. The tour focuses on the period 1800-2000.
The tour begins at the Universal Cemetery and local guides will take you on a tour of the cemetery and introduce you to some of its more famous residents. Then a program featuring "Haunted History" will be held at the Ontario House, 358 Main Street. The Ontario House, a local inn and drinking establishment since 1840, is home to some of Youngstown's Ghosts. With so many homes dating from 1820 - 1900, there is no shortage of ghosts in Youngstown.
Bring a flashlight, not appropriate for children under 10