Members of the Cayuga Nation who inhabited what is now the Village of Aurora named their settlement Deawendote, or “place of constant dawn,” because the eastern ridge above the Village prolongs the dawn. The Village was first settled by Euro-Americans in the 1790s, some of them veterans of the American Revolution. In the beginning of the 19th century, due to the reliance on transportation by water, Aurora was a bustling port town. There was lively steamboat traffic on Cayuga Lake, and later a railroad line ran through the village. 

In the mid-19th century Aurora was a center of wealth and culture. Henry Wells, founder of the Wells Fargo and American Express Companies, was one notable resident. In later life, Henry devoted himself to building a liberal arts college for women of the highest quality in the Village. Having opened as a seminary in 1866, Wells officially became a college in 1868.

During the last century, Aurora has been a favorite destination for travelers who enjoy its historic architecture, natural beauty, college events, and local businesses.  Mindful of its rich heritage and the warm nature of the community, villagers have worked to preserve Aurora’s charming qualities. The presence of the College has contributed greatly to the Village’s identity as a center of culture and learning. In the past few years, as the result of the efforts of the Aurora Foundation, a distinctive partnership between Wells and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, many of Aurora’s historic buildings have been restored. As a result, the Village is experiencing an economic renewal. 

Now more than ever, Aurora stands out as a jewel among Finger Lakes villages – a wonderful place to live and learn, and an exciting destination for visitors.