In central New York, the Onondaga Country was the place where the legendary Indian statesmen Hiawatha and Deganawidah planted The Tree of Peace, founding the Iroquois Confederacy of the Five Nations. Here burned the council fire of the League of the Longhouse of the Onondagas, the Hill People, the center of this powerful confederacy. These tribes guarded the natural water route via the Mohawk River, Oneida Lake and Oswego River to Lake Ontario, over which furs, trade goods and supplies were transported. This route was used for military purposes during the French and Indian War and the Revolution. Onondaga Indians still occupy a reservation in this area. In the early nineteenth century, turnpikes crossed these hills and valleys and opened the land to settlers. Revolutionary soldiers were offered grants in the Military Tract, including Onondaga County, which was set off in 1794. Other settlers migrated from New England. Further growth was stimulated by the Erie Canal, completed in 1825, and by the railroads. Agriculture, dairying and fruit growing, together with some diversified industry, provided the economic base for this area. Rolling hills, picturesque waterfalls and small lakes made the region famous for scenic beauty.