Welcome to Salamanca, NY
SENECA INDIAN CULTURE
With a proud and rich history that extends back some 500 years, the Senecas Nation of Indians is the largest of six Native American nations which comprise the Iroquois Confederacy.
The Seneca Nation currently has a total enrolled population of 7,800 members. The territories are generally rural, with several residential areas. Many Seneca members live off-territory, some are located across the country, as well as in other countries. Off-territory residents comprise a total population of 3,854 as of February 2010.
Known as the “Keepers of the Western Door,” for they are the westernmost of the Six Nations, Seneca at the time of the formation of the Iroquois League, the five nations occupied territories from the East to the West, the Senecas being the "keepers of the western door". In the Senecas language their name translates to O-non-dowa-gah, or "Great Hill People."
The historical Seneca occupied territory from the Genesee River to Canandaigua Lake in Western New York, living in long houses on the riverside. Their villages were well fortified with wooden stake fences, just one of their many industrious undertakings.
They relied heavily on agriculture for food, growing the three sisters: corn, squash and beans, which they referred to as Deohako, "the life supporters." In addition to raising crops, the early Seneca also sustained themselves by hunting and fishing.
The Senecas were also great conquerors, highly skilled at warfare, and considered fierce adversaries. But they were also sophisticated politicians, adopting a democratic governmental system with a constitution.The Confederacy as a form of democratic government pre-dates the United States Constitution.
Today the Senecas Nation supports its own people and benefits surrounding communities with a variety of cultural, educational and economic efforts. Its varied enterprises include: world-class casino gaming and hospitality, which employ over 3,500 area residents, as well as tax-free tobacco and gasoline industry ventures.
Through the enterprises of the Nation, revenues are generated to provide necessary services and programs to all tribal members, especially youth and elder population.
Seneca culture and values remain strong and intact. The vibrancy of their rich heritage is evident in the cultural events, dance, music, arts, crafts and foods that visitors are invited to experience.
Click here to learn more about the Seneca Indian Culture.
Museum Hours:
Tuesday,Thursday, Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Group tours are available outside of regular operating hours any day or time by prior arrangement Admission is free. Fully handicapped accessible.
This museum is housed in a restored 1882 bank building. Various displays depict the history of Salamanca. Knowledgeable staff available to answer questions.
Salamanca Historical Society
125 Main Street
Salamanca, NY 14779
United States
Phone: 716-945-2946 or 716-945-5825
A fully restored passenger depot constructed in 1912 by the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railway. Through artifacts, photographs and video presentations, you'll experience an era over 90 years ago, when rail was the primary means of transportation from city to city. Admission to the Museum is free, however, donations are appreciated. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. Closed Mondays in April and October - December. Closed months of January, February and March. Path Through History attraction.
716-945-3133
ALLEGANY STATE PARK
Allegany State Park covers 65,000 acres and is known for attracting visitors year-round to its primitive forested valleys, mixed hemlock/hardwood forest, rolling hills and meadows, fall leaves, wildlife, streams, ponds and lakes. The two developed areas Red House and Quaker, make this the largest state park in the system. Both areas offer sand beaches, picnic areas, museums, hiking trails and naturalist walks. Walkers and bicycle riders take advantage of the 5 miles of paved trails around Red House. The Art Roscoe Ski Touring Area has some of the finest groomed cross country skiing and mountain biking trails in the Northeast. Snowmobilers are attracted to Allegany State Park for its 90 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Other activities include bird watching, picnicking, fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, canoeing and horseback riding.
Don’t miss the natural history museum in the historic tudor-style Red House Administration Building or the park museum located in the Quaker Area. Exhibits document the history of Allegany State Park as “The Wilderness Playground of Western New York” and orient visitors to the park’s unique features and attractions. A must-see for all visitors is Thunder Rocks, an impressive bedrock city that allows for the nature lover to see the hidden beauty that this park is known for. The Stone Tower structure shows vistas of the rolling hills of mature forests. The many beaver ponds are a good place to observe the diversity of wildlife located in the park. The park offers dozens of guided tours and hikes for all ages.
Annual events at Allegany State Park include dog seld races in late January, mountain bike races, including Raccoon Rally in June, Ski-A-Thons, Fishing Derbies, Beach Parties and much more.
SENECA ALLEGANY
CASINO
& HOTEL
No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ve hit the jackpot at Seneca Allegany Casino. Sink your teeth into the tenderest cuts of Chairman’s Reserve steaks at the area’s premier steakhouse, The Western Door: A Seneca Steakhouse. Delight in the aromas of authentic Italian cooking at the acclaimed Patria restaurant. Enjoy pub fare or a cocktail at The Fire Lounge. Eat up a storm at the world-famous Thunder Mountain Buffet, serving prime rib, shrimp, rotisserie chicken and much more. You can enjoy classic hearty foods any time of the day or night at The Seneca Café, open 24 hours. Or grab something on-the-go at The Seneca Café Express or Bear Claw Café.
Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel offers 11 levels of pure luxury. Each of the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning 413 deluxe rooms and suites feature upscale amenities including a pillow-top bed, oversized shower, flat-screen TV, Internet access and more. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Allegany Mountains as you rest in comfort. Come to your senses at The Spa with a Swedish massage, full-body salt glow or facial in one of three calming rooms. Pamper yourself at the salon with hairstyling, manicures, pedicures and waxing treatments. Make a splash in the refreshing indoor pool, unwind as you soak in a steamy indoor or outdoor whirlpool, or get your heart rate pumping in a first-class workout facility – complete with cardiovascular equipment, circuit weights and free weights.
If you’re looking for energy, action, excitement and entertainment, come to Seneca Allegany Casino. With more than 2,000 slot machines ranging from a penny to $100, you’re sure to find a machine that’s right for you. The casino floor is continuously updated with the newest themes and latest technology to enhance your gaming experience. If tables are your passion, there’s no better place to get in the game with over 30 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette and more. Complimentary beverages are available while gaming, and valet and self-parking are free. Seneca Allegany Casino is also home to the region’s best entertainment. The 2,400-seat Seneca Allegany Events Center features a $1 million sound system and plays host to the finest entertainers from around the world. Be sure to stop by the Casino Bar on weekend nights for live regional acts while enjoying your favorite drink.
If you’re looking to host a meeting, special event or wedding, the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel has got you covered. With more than 21,500 square feet of meeting and conference space and a variety of elegantly-appointed rooms, it’s an ideal location for banquets, trade shows, conventions and meetings, weddings, bridal showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties. The Seneca team will provide white-glove, Four Diamond Award-winning service to make your event memorable and effortless.
SENECA GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment located at 768 Broad Street in Salamanca offers some of the biggest daily BINGO payouts in Western New York! Open seven days a week, you'll find a food court, a VIP Gameroom, and tons of specials and promotions for anyone 18 or older! Seneca Gaming and Entertainment in Salamanca is Not Just Bingo Anymore!
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment BINGO offers the BIGGEST DAILY PAYOUTS in Western New York! With evening games SEVEN DAYS A WEEK and matinee games every Wednesday through Sunday, Seneca Gaming in Salamanca is the place to be for the best BINGO action!
Prize Payouts are as much as $500 per regular game during the week and $1,000 per regular game on Fridays and Saturdays. Daily jackpots are over $1,000 during the week and $3,000 on the weekends. Grand Prize Payouts include new vehicles and of course the $10K Progressive Jackpot.
New games! More games! Seneca Gaming in Salamanca currently features over 300 slot machines. You can bet 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, $1 and $5 credits, with jackpots as high as $60,000.00! Select from reel games and card games.
The Seneca-Iroquois National Museum showcases both permanent and temporary exhibits that introduce visitors to the culture and history of the Onöndowa'ga:' and Hodinöhsö:ni'. Whether exploring on your own, or in a more formal tour, we hope that your time spent with us will spark an interest to learn more.