Rural seclusion and natural beauty in Conquest
Conquest, 15 miles north of Auburn, is a small town in the New York countryside with a tight-knit community, waterfront access and peaceful seclusion. "In 1821, the town fathers rode to Albany to petition for our [formation]," says Joni Lincoln, town historian and a resident of over 60 years. "When it was successful, they called it a 'conquest.' It's exciting to be a part of a town with such a positive beginning."
Conquest is primarily a mix of farmland, woodland and wetland, offering residents privacy and natural beauty, but limited businesses. "You always have to leave Conquest for groceries," Lincoln says. Nearby communities, like Port Byron, 6 miles away, and Auburn, provide easy access to shopping and dining. "If you want to move here and stay insular, you are perfectly free to do that," Lincoln says. "If you want to move here and become part of the community, there are lots of ways to do that, too."
Ranch-style homes with privacy and acreage
Instead of planned subdivisions with cookie-cutter designs, most of Conquest's homes are one-of-a-kind, peppered along country roads. These single-family homes are typically ranch-style or farmhouses built in the early to mid-20th century. Many properties have acreage, allowing for additions like detached garages, workshops and barns. Waterfront homes on Duck Lake are set closer together, often including features like private docks and decks. "The houses are mostly older, but a lot of people are putting in modular homes and some tiny homes," Lincoln says. Homes rarely come on the market, but prices range from $50,000 to $400,000.
Town spirit at the Conquest Community Celebration
The town board plans community events. In August, the Conquest Community Celebration brings everyone together for a day of music, food and sports. "Our fire folk are making submarine sandwiches, lots of people will donate cakes and we've got craft vendors," Lincoln says. "Then we have fireworks at dark — and a magician." The event is held at the Conquest Recreation Field and has been an annual tradition since 2023. "Last year, we had a pick-up kickball game that lasted from 10 a.m. 'til dark. It was the coolest thing ever — it just kept going," Lincoln says. "It's exactly the community spirit we had hoped for."
Playing pickleball and fishing for chain pickerel
Conquest is mainly rural, but the Conquest Recreation Field stands out with its playground, picnic areas and sports amenities. "Our recreation field is a jewel," Lincoln says. "We have pickleball, sand volleyball, two pavilions, a basketball court, soccer and regular bathrooms — not port-a-potties." Duck Lake is especially popular in the summer for camping and boating trips. "It's not exactly a Finger Lake," Lincoln says. "It's tiny — maybe 3 miles across, but it's our own lake." Anglers at the lake can cast lines for chain pickerel, black crappie and yellow perch. Nearby, Howland's Island Wildlife Management Area offers tree-shaded trails with scenic wetland views. "It's a federal game refuge and part of our community," Lincoln says. "It's a resource for walking and biking." Birders in the area may spot tree swallows, trumpeter swans and song sparrows.
Groceries and comfort food in Port Byron
Residents shop and dine in neighboring communities, but a few small businesses are dotted around Conquest. "We have the best car repair in the entire world," Lincoln says. "It's called 'Conquest Auto Sales and Repair.' People really drive from Syracuse to buy a used car here and to get their cars fixed."
Port Byron is 6 miles away and offers a few more options. Family-owned Ed & Jean's Market offers quick groceries, fresh meats, and made-to-order bites, like hot subs and cheeseburgers. Nearby, there's a Dollar General with home essentials and Nino's Pizzeria with New York- and Sicilian-style slices. For an evening out, Potters Farm to Fork has occasional live music and serves comfort fare with farm-fresh ingredients, like macaroni made with New York sharp cheddar. There's also a dairy bar with milkshakes, soft-serve and shaved ice.
Concurrent enrollment at Dana L. West Junior/Senior High
Conquest is part of several school districts, including Port Byron Central School District, rated C-plus by Niche. Kids can start at A.A. Gates Elementary before moving to Dana L. West Junior/Senior High — both are rated C-plus. Through the Cayuga Advantage Program, juniors and seniors may take concurrent enrollment courses for credit at Cayuga Community College with no extra charge.
State Route 38 and the nearest hospital and airport
Residents drive to get around. State Route 38 passes through Conquest, providing a direct route to Auburn. Auburn Community Hospital is 14 miles away, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport is a 32-mile drive.
