The area was once occupied by the Seneca Tribe. During the Seven Year War (French and Indian War), the British helped fortify the village of Kanadaseaga and then develop defensive fortification during the Revolutionary War. The Seneca people were then removed from their land shortly after and European-Americans settled here around 1793. The “Village of Geneva” was incorporated in 1806, formally separating it from the surrounding area of Geneva Town. Later the village became a city through the 1871 charter.
The major industries in Geneva are tourism and winemaking, and touring the most popular combination of the two. There are plenty of Bed & Breakfasts and Hotels available, ranging from major chain hotels to independent motels and boutique hotels.