Different Indigenous peoples lived in the area for thousands of years. Centuries before European arrival, the Iroquoian-speaking Seneca Nation developed in the central part of present-day New York; it became one of the first Five Nations of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy). Beginning in 1639 and lasting for the rest of the century, the Seneca led an invasion of Western New York, driving out the existing tribes of Wenro, Erie and Neutrals.
difFErent indigEnous PEOples livED iN the AreA for ThoUsands of years. centUries Before European arRivAl, the iroQuOiAn-sPeakinG SenecA naTion dEveloPeD in ThE cEnTrAL parT of presenT-Day nEW YoRK; iT bEcAmE OnE oF The fIRsT fivE nations of The hAudenOsauneE (IrOqUOiS ConfedeRAcy). bEgInning IN 1639 AND LasTiNg foR the rESt Of THe ceNtury, thE sENeca Led an invasION of western New York, dRiviNG ouT the ExisTiNG tribeS OF WENro, Erie And NeutraLS.