The Twenty - Five Things That Made Genesee County Famous

Number 25

The New York State Thruway

At 496 miles, The Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is the longest toll road in America. This includes the 29 mile stretch that runs through the heart of Genesee County. The Thruway passes through four towns and every county resident lives within twelve miles of it.

The New York State Thruway was officially opened in August 1954. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the LeRoy Thruway Interchange on August 26, 1954, marking the official opening of the Rochester to Buffalo section. The County’s other interchanges, Batavia and Pembroke opened June 20, 1957 and February 25, 1971 respectively.

How did this Make Genesee County Famous?

Ceremonial scissors used in the ribbon cutting of the grand opening of the Batavia Interchange. They were donated to the Holland Land Office Museum by Mrs. Herman Gabriel.

According to statistics from the New York State Thruway Authority, every year more than 6 million vehicles got on the Thruway in Genesee County while nearly 6 million vehicles exited. That translates into over 33,000 vehicles a day.

Travelers recognize landmarks along the way. When describing where Batavia is located to other New Yorkers, I refer to it as “the place between Rochester and Buffalo where you travel between the rocks.” And, many times people know exactly where I’m talking about.

The big green exit signs alert travelers they are passing by LeRoy, Batavia and Pembroke. They are a great reminder and introduction to our community. The Holland Land Office Museum receives many visitors from the Netherlands because of the “Batavia” Thruway sign. Batavia is a Dutch word and many of them are traveling between New York City and Niagara Falls or Toronto and see the sign that reminds them of their homeland and they have to get off the toll road and check it out.

Fun Stuff: Click here to check out the webcams at the LeRoy, Batavia and Pembroke interchanges

Click Here to listen to the audio

Do you agree or disagree? Discuss it on our blog here

Forward to Number 24: John Kennedy

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