The National Register of Historic Places Tour
Courtesy of the Gates House Museum
           The core of Warsaw's historic buildings lies at the intersection of Main and Court Streets, the Monument Circle Historical District. This district reflects the prosperity of Warsaw at 1900. This prosperity came from two sources: Warsaw's position as the county seat and the salt industry and its aftermath. Warsaw became the county seat after the separation of Wyoming and Genesee counties in 1841.

            The following group is a sampling of the structures located in the Monument Circle Historical District. To view the complete listing, click

Monument Circle Historical District Tour
(Click images for details)
1.
Wyoming County Government Center

This building complex is the physical reflection of Warsaw's position as the seat of Wyoming County. There have been major renovations to the building adapting the existing Colonial Revival building to new office use. The small Greek Revival-influenced entryway to the south end of the building is noteworthy for its wooden detailing. This building now adjoins a new court facility, constructed in 1998-1999. In turn, it is joined to a Public Safety building, constructed in 1996. An attempt was made to repeat the columns of the Colonial Revival style that was characteristic of the original courthouse.

2.
East Court Street

The houses along East Court Street are examples of early twentieth century architecture. Most are homes with Colonial Revival style features.
3.
38 Park Street

Built in 1913 for Charles Ketchum, President of the Warsaw Elevator Company. It is a fine example of Georgian Revival architecture giving the appearance of oriental touches. 

4.
46 Park Street

Built about 1870 for Reverend Joseph E. Nassau, the minister at the Warsaw Presbyterian Church, it is a brick Italianate style house.
5.
58 Park Street

Owned by Harwood A. Dudley, publisher of the local newspaper, The Western New Yorker, this is a restrained Italian villa made of brick with a matching, wooden carriage house.
A.
130 North Main Street, Warsaw Public Library

The Warsaw Public Library at 130 North Main Street houses an autographed copy of the History of Woman Suffrage by Susan B. Anthony presented by Ms. Anthony to the Women of Warsaw for their devoted service to the cause. Built in 1904, the library building was dedicated in 1906.
B.
62 West Buffalo Street, Trinity Church

This Episcopal Church was built between 1853 and 1854. The unknown builder closely followed published plans of architect Richard Upjohn. Exterior features include board and batten sheathing, lancet windows and pointed arch doorways. The square tower is topped with a hexagonal pointed spire.
C.
15 Perry Avenue, Seth M. Gates House

Architecturally, this is one of the first frame buildings still standing in Warsaw. The windows are 12 over 12 with much of the original glass. The present front entry was added to the building in the early 19th century and is an example of Greek Revival detailing. The North entry door was probably the original entry, an example of New England Federal style architectural details.

This home also has a very interesting history in the community. The first resident was Horace Hollister for whom the house was built in 1824. Hollister was a carriage maker. Around 1843, Seth Gates purchased the house. After the deaths of Seth and his wife, the old home became the site of the county's first public kindergarten in 1894. It also was an industrial training school and was the site of the community food preservation and distribution efforts during the Depression of the 1930s.  Many other charitable and civic organizations met here, making the Gates House Warsaw's oldest meeting house. It now serves as the museum for the Warsaw Historical Society.
D.
230 West Buffalo Street, "The Elms"

One structure not on the Historic Register but particularly noteworthy and eligible for listing is "The Elms". The home was built for Wolcott J. Humphrey and remained in the family until recently purchased by the Akers. Located at 230 West Buffalo Street, the estate was designed by Andrew J. Warner of Rochester. The home retains its original character as a Queen Anne style mansion.

Prior to construction in 1884, the Clare Place Seminary, a boarding school for girls run by Madame Broughton, existed at the location.