Syracuse

Syracuse (pop. 659,864), city in central New York, seat of Onondaga County, situated on Onondaga Lake. The original inhabitants of the area were the Onondaga, an Iroquois tribe. Although French explorers arrived in the 17th century, discovering its economically important salt springs, it was not until 1786 that Ephraim Webster established a permanent settlement. In 1825 the settlement was named for the ancient Greek city of Syracuse, which was also situated on salt springs. In addition to having saltworks, the city was a trade center along the Erie Canal (completed 1825) and a rail center. Manufactures now also include machinery, electronics, and chinaware. Syracuse is home to Syracuse University and the State of New York Upstate Medical Center, and hosts many conventions as well as the annual New York State Fair.