Settled in 1779, Aurora was originally cited as “Deawendote” by the Cayuga Indians meaning “Village of Constant Dawn.” Steeped in history, the Wells College Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Buildings of special interest include the Aurora Inn, Cayuga Lake National Bank, and the Scipio Masonic Lodge.

Aurora has been known as an educational center since the 1790’s when its first school was built.  Wells College was established in 1868 by Henry Wells the founder of Wells Fargo and American Express. Wells is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges for women and now men since the fall of 2005. enjoys a long established reputation for excellence in leadership and teaching.

In 2001, Wells College, in concert with the Village of Aurora and the Aurora Foundation started by Pleasant T. Rowland, a Wells alumna (’62) and philanthropist, began renovating some of our most important landmarks: Aurora Inn, Dories, E.B. Morgan House, the Fargo, and the old public school thus launching an Aurora renaissance.