Hydesville

Hydesville is a village in Paradis Township, Jefferson County, New York, United States. Located at the intersection of County Routes 8 and 85, Hydesville is approximately 20 miles northeast of Watertown, the county seat. The village has a population of around 555 residents, according to the 2020 United States Census.

Hydesville's history dates back to the late 18th century, when the area was primarily settled by European-American farmers. In the mid-19th century, the village grew significantly with the arrival of the West Shore and Buffalo Railway, a subsidiary of the New York Central Railroad. This led to an influx of industries, including manufacturing and agricultural businesses, that continued to operate in the village until the mid-20th century.

One of the most notable events in the history of Hydesville was the birthplace of Spiritualism, a movement that emphasizes communication with the dead through various forms of meditation and divination. In 1848, there were three Fox sisters who lived in Hydesville, Margaret, Kate, and Leah. The sisters claimed to communicate with spirits, particularly the ghost of Charles B. Rosna, whose spirit was said to have converse with them in the basement of their home. This phenomenon gained widespread attention and is often recognized as the founding of Modern Spiritualism.

Today, Hydesville is a small but close-knit community, with a range of amenities including a post office, library, and small grocery store. The village continues to attract tourists and enthusiasts of Spiritualism due to its historical connection to the movement's origins.