Aurora Village–Wells College Historic District, Historic district with college complex in Aurora, United States
Aurora Village-Wells College Historic District comprises over 50 historic buildings along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake in New York. The residences, educational buildings, and commercial structures reflect architectural styles ranging from the Early Republic through the Late Victorian era.
Henry Wells, founder of Wells Fargo and American Express, established Wells College in 1868 and donated land for its development in Aurora. This founding transformed a small settlement into an educational and commercial center.
The churches here, including St. Paul's Episcopal and the Presbyterian Church, shaped the spiritual life of the community since the 1800s. They show how faith remained central to people's daily lives and social connections.
Most buildings are visible from the outside as they line accessible streets and open spaces throughout the district. Walking through the area lets you observe the details of each structure and understand its place in the community.
Frances Folsom, who became First Lady through marriage to President Grover Cleveland, served on the college board for more than 50 years. Her long connection to the institution reveals how personal ties shaped the community's development.
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