Our Towns - Ovid | Seneca County Chamber of Commerce

Our Towns - Ovid

Ovid, New York has served as one of Seneca County’s two county seats for more than two centuries alongside Waterloo.
The Three Bears Complex consists of three nearly identical Greek Revival buildings constructed in the 1830s, making it one of the rarest architectural groupings of its kind in the United States.
According to local legend, the Three Bears buildings earned their nickname because the structures resemble three bears standing side by side — one large, one medium, and one small.
Ovid was established in 1794 and originally covered a much larger area before several surrounding towns were formed from its territory.
The town was named after the ancient Roman poet Ovid, continuing a tradition of classical names used throughout the Military Tract of Central New York.

David Fairchild (1791 – 1866) was an American tradesperson and politician. He created newspapers in New York State before moving to California. He is credited with creating the Ovid Bee.
Cornelius Humphrey: A Colonel in the Revolutionary War and a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. He served as the first presiding Judge of Seneca County, setting up Ovid's early judicial system in the early 1800s.

The Town of Ovid, New York was established in 1794 and is one of the oldest towns in Seneca County. Named after the Roman poet Ovid, the town became an important center of government, agriculture, and commerce in the early development of the Finger Lakes region. Ovid originally encompassed a much larger area before portions were divided to form several surrounding towns.

Because of its central location, Ovid was selected as one of Seneca County’s two county seats alongside Waterloo, a distinction it continues to hold today. During the 19th century, the town developed around farming, mills, local businesses, and civic institutions that supported the growing rural population.

Ovid is perhaps best known for the historic Three Bears Complex, three nearly identical Greek Revival buildings constructed in the 1830s that remain one of the most distinctive architectural landmarks in the Finger Lakes region. Today, Ovid continues to reflect its rich history through preserved historic buildings, scenic countryside, and strong agricultural traditions.