Upstate New York Real Estate - Clayton, Fort Drum, Watertown

Watertown, NY Area Guide

General Information

About 70 miles north of Syracuse and 30 miles south of the border of Canada, sits Watertown, the county seat of Jefferson County. Watertown’s distinguished history began in 1800, starting a 200 year legacy that carries through today and into the future. The New England pioneers who chose this area did so based on their vision of creating an industrial center which would draw its power from the Black River. These visionaries, along with their families, faced obstacles of rough and un-cleared terrain but persevered and helped create what stands today, its population almost 27,000 strong.

Out of the inhospitable territory was carved a spot that in a few years became one of the most beautiful public square to be found in any city. Watertown offers something for every member of the community from the outdoorsman to the history buff. Picturesque scenery of the Adirondacks leads to the 1,000 Island region and Lake Ontario with invitations of boating, fishing, rafting, hiking and camping in a great family atmosphere abound.

Home of the invention of the safety pin, Watertown manufactured the first portable steam engine and a fun fact to share with friends is that it has the longest continually operating county fair in the United States as well as being home to the Red and Black football franchise, the oldest surviving semi-professional team in the United States.

A town that was the vision of the pioneer spirit of America was founded more than 200 years ago and that pioneer spirit survives today. Watertown is home sweet home for its residents and they wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!

To learn more, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watertown_(city),_New_York

History

Settled by, among others, Hart Massey, Henry Coffeen and Zachariah Butterfield, the city of Watertown was created in 1800, part of the migration into New York from New England after the Revolutionary War. Choosing the area because of the Black River, the pioneer’s vision was to create an industrial center that would draw power from it. Elevation proved to be a bit of problem for them, though, the western end of the town being 12-15 feet higher than the eastern end, with a large depression in the middle as well a small stream passing through the town.
Undaunted, within a few years, the center of town was cleared for their Public Square project and today, along with the 19th century structures that were created around it, it has been designated a National

Historic District, listed on the National Register. As businesses flourished and industry settled in, people began to build substantial homes, churches and business and today, Watertown still runs the oldest continually operating enclosed mall in the U.S.

By the mid 19th century, entrepreneurs had built paper mills and major industries and by 1851, Watertown was joined to the rest of the state by the railroad, other mills joining in the business base. Watertown also claims F.W. Woolworth as one of their own, and the Davis Sewing Machine Company as well as George P. Huffman’s Huffy Corporation, now a maker of bicycles and other sporting goods.

The economic center of the country moved slowly westward and Chicago drew many of Watertown’s young people looking for professional opportunities as did the industrial technology. The city works diligently to redevelop its downtown and has revitalized the heart of city, capitalizing on its rich architectural heritage, walkable retail center and beautifully designed residential areas. Modern day Watertown serves as the commercial and financial center for a large rural area as well and is the major community closest to Fort Drum.
For more information, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watertown_(city),_New_York#History

Watertown, NY nearby Attractions & Activities

Whitewater Rafting in New York

Established in 1980, A.R.O. Adventures has guided thousands of guests as they rafted down the waters of the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. Providing guests with equipment, supported by professional staff, they offer memories that will last a life time.

For more information, visit: http://www.aroadventures.com/welcome.htm

Akwesasne Mohawk Casino

Operating under the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Akwesasne Mohwak Casino is one of the two gaming facilities situated on over 30,000 acres of tribal land extending from New York into Quebec and Ontario.
To learn more, visit: http://www.mohawkcasino.com/

The Antique Boat Museum

In the 40 y ears since a small group of people became determined to save the nautical and cultural heritage of the St. Lawrence River, the 1000 Islands Museum has been preserving the area’s rich boating history. To see everything from a beautiful house boat to an elegant skiff, come visit!
For more information, visit: http://www.abm.org/

Jefferson County Historical Society

Since its founding in 1886, the Society has been supported by its members, as well as volunteers and visitors. Collecting artifacts, books and documents that present Watertown and Jefferson County’s history as a place to work, live and visit the Historical Society strives to keep alive the past while working toward the future.
To learn more, visit: http://www.jeffersoncountyhistory.org/default.htm

Parks and Recreation

With 574 acres dedicated to parks and playgrounds, Watertown offers everything for the visitor from playgrounds to picnic areas. Sitting along the mighty Black River are The Veteran’s River Walk, Waterworks Park, Bicentennial Park and Marble Street Park, providing scenic views, trails and picnic areas.
For a complete list of parks and their amenities, visit: http://www.watertown-ny.gov/index.asp?NID=120

Events Calendar

From Wintervention to the Holiday Craft Fair, Fourth of July and Christmas, Watertown residents celebrate the love for their town with events throughout the year!

To learn more, visit: http://www.watertown-ny.gov/currentevents.asp

To learn more about Watertown, visit: http://www.watertown-ny.gov/