The establishment of the Village of East Syracuse followed the growth of the railroad line. In 1853, the Syracuse-Utica Railroad Line became part of the New York Central Railroad System. In 1872, one-hundred fifty (150) acres of farmland around the area then known as Messina Springs was purchased to form a line for freight trains. The years following this purchase were devoted to grading and laying track, as well as building houses and shops. Several men bought up parcels of land in anticipation of the need for homes and businesses to accommodate the new railroad workers and their families. The names of these landowners are still familiar because many of our Village streets bear their names: Ellis, Upton, Kinne, Clark, Dausman, and Bagg.

Prior to incorporation, the Village was under the jurisdiction of the Township of Dewitt. With the population increasing, the need for public utilities to serve the community became apparent. A committee to promote incorporation became active. On November 12, 1881, the Village of East Syracuse was incorporated. At this time, the Village had 1,099 residents. Alexander Ellis is credited with naming East Syracuse after two (2) other railroad villages, East Buffalo and East Rochester.

The new leaders of the Village had to make many resolutions, laws, and motions to attend to the basic needs of the growing community. Commissions were appointed to plan a water system, a sewer system, street lighting, roads, and police and fire protection.

Today the Village of East Syracuse is a thriving community of approximately 3,300. We are a "small town" with a friendly, cooperative atmosphere. We provide all municipal services including fire and police protection, public works and municipal water supply system. The Village enjoys a thriving business community with major retail chains, manufacturing, and the international business ventures of Bristol Myers-Squibb Company. The Village has an active volunteer fire and rescue department as well as a volunteer ambulance service. There is a strong interest in local schools, church and civic groups, and the like. Affordable housing, great schools and economic opportunities are the cornerstones which our community is building upon.