Watertown Region
Historic New York
Where the North Country touches Lake Ontario is the western gateway to the Adirondacks. Although reached by Samuel de Champlain in 1615, and viewed by other French explorers, La Salle and Frontenac, this area was an unsettled wilderness until some time after the Revolution. Watertown, on the Black River, was settled in 1800. Here there was an abundance of water power to turn paper mills and other manufactories.
In the War of 1812, nearby Sackets Harbor was attacked by a British fleet, but the enemy were repulsed with heavy losses by Americans under General Jacob Brown. Henery Eckford then built a fleet from forest timber by which Captain Isaac Chauncey sought to gain control of Lake Ontario.
After the war there came a period of development. Settlement was promoted by the French nobleman, Le Ray de Chaumont, who purchased a large estate and sold off parcels. Many of these were taken by Yankees from New England, whose industry and thrift ensured material progress.
Farmland and forest, with abundant water power, have made this area important in the economic life of New York State. The Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence are a favorite vacation land.
Marker is on Interstate 81, on the right when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
