By C. Paul Keller

     When first incorporated Ulysses was officially named Lewisville, after an early settler. Besides running a farm, Orange Lewis became Justice of the Peace, and then Potter County Treasurer in 1835. However, the post office and newspaper were both named Ulysses, and eventually, in 1968, the town was officially re-named Ulysses.

     Like many towns in Potter County, Ulysses' growth was slow before a railroad, in this case Fall Brook Railroad, came to town. The Coudersport and Port Allegany railroad also entered the town. For both railways Ulysses was the end of the line. The town had a hotel, stores and a school and academy, some of which was there even before the railway came to town. By 1933, however, both railroads had closed, and the towns size shrank somewhat.

     But farming was the main industry, and still is. On the many family-run farms, cattle are raised, corn and potatoes are grown, and even pumpkins bring revenue to the area. Potter County potatoes are often considered to be some of the best in the state. Unfortunately an historic round barn, a local landmark, was recently destroyed by fire.

     The Ulysses area has also been known for its mineral springs. Nearby towns like Genesee and Harrison Valley did brisk business in bottled spring water at various times, and both continue to have some of the best water in the county.

     Also of aquatic interest is the headwaters region. The headwaters of the Genesee Susquehanna and Allegheny rivers all within a small area make it the only spot where water from the same water table dumps into the Gulf of Mexico, the Chesapeake Bay and the St. Laurence River.

     The Ulysses area may be a more .rural area of Potter County, but for those looking for a rustic down-home feel, sure to check out this lovely little cornet of God's Country.