Alexandria, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexandria, New York
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
 Alexandria, New York
Location in New York
Alexandria, New York
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Jefferson County |
| Incorporated | 1821 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 84.37 sq mi (218.53 km2) |
| • Land | 72.56 sq mi (187.94 km2) |
| • Water | 11.81 sq mi (30.59 km2) |
| Elevation | 351 ft (107 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 3,741 |
| • Density | 55.37/sq mi (21.38/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
13607, 13675
|
| Area code(s) | 315 |
| FIPS code | 36-045-01176 |
Alexandria is a town located in the amazing Thousand Islands region of New York. It's part of Jefferson County in the United States. In 2020, about 3,741 people lived here.
The town got its name from Alexander LeRay, whose family helped develop the area a long time ago. Inside the town of Alexandria, you'll also find the village of Alexandria Bay. Alexandria is in the northern part of Jefferson County, just north of the city of Watertown.
Contents
Discovering Alexandria's Past
The first people to settle in Alexandria started a community called Alexandria Center around 1811.
What Happened During the War of 1812?
During the War of 1812, a small battle called the Battle of Cranberry Creek took place here. Local American fighters managed to defeat a much larger group of British soldiers. The British were trying to get back supplies that the Americans had taken.
When Was Alexandria Officially Formed?
The town of Alexandria was officially created in 1821. It was formed from parts of two other towns: Brownville and Le Ray.
Today, Alexandria is a very popular place for people to visit on vacation. The historic Densmore Methodist Church of the Thousand Islands was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, showing its importance.
Exploring Alexandria's Geography
Alexandria covers a total area of about 84 square miles (219 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, but about 14% is water.
Where is Alexandria Located?
The famous St. Lawrence River and many of its Thousand Islands are in the northern part of the town. The northern border of Alexandria is actually the international border between the United States and Canada, specifically with the province of Ontario. To the east, Alexandria borders St. Lawrence County.
How Do People Travel in Alexandria?
A major highway, Interstate 81, goes through the southwestern part of the town. New York State Route 12 follows along the beautiful St. Lawrence River. Another important road, New York State Route 26, crosses NY-12 in Alexandria Bay.
Alexandria's Population Over Time
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1830 | 1,523 | — | |
| 1840 | 3,475 | 128.2% | |
| 1850 | 3,178 | −8.5% | |
| 1860 | 3,808 | 19.8% | |
| 1870 | 3,087 | −18.9% | |
| 1880 | 3,135 | 1.6% | |
| 1890 | 3,601 | 14.9% | |
| 1900 | 3,894 | 8.1% | |
| 1910 | 4,259 | 9.4% | |
| 1920 | 3,567 | −16.2% | |
| 1930 | 3,953 | 10.8% | |
| 1940 | 3,533 | −10.6% | |
| 1950 | 3,583 | 1.4% | |
| 1960 | 3,574 | −0.3% | |
| 1970 | 3,515 | −1.7% | |
| 1980 | 3,587 | 2.0% | |
| 1990 | 3,949 | 10.1% | |
| 2000 | 4,097 | 3.7% | |
| 2010 | 4,061 | −0.9% | |
| 2020 | 3,741 | −7.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In the year 2000, there were 4,097 people living in Alexandria. The town had 1,653 households and 1,128 families. The population density was about 56 people per square mile.
Many households (about 30%) had children under 18 living there. Most households (54.6%) were married couples. About 11% of households had someone living alone who was 65 or older.
The average age of people in Alexandria in 2000 was 40 years old. About 24.6% of the population was under 18. The median household income was $33,333. This means half the households earned more, and half earned less. About 13.6% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Transportation in Alexandria
New York State Route 12 is a main road that runs through the town. It stays close to the St. Lawrence River. Interstate 81 also passes through the southwest part of Alexandria. This highway leads to the Thousand Islands Bridge, which crosses the river into Ontario, Canada.
Years ago, until 1961, the New York Central Railroad had trains running through a station in Redwood, on the eastern side of Alexandria.
Communities and Places in Alexandria
Alexandria is home to several smaller communities and interesting geographical spots.
Towns and Villages
- Alexandria Bay – A village right by the St. Lawrence River.
- Alexandria Center – A small community south of Alexandria Bay.
- Bean Hill Crossing – A community in the northern part of the town.
- Browns Corners – A community east of Alexandria Bay.
- Edgewood Park – A community southwest of Alexandria Bay.
- Godfreys Corner – A community southwest of Alexandria Center.
- Goose Bay – A community northeast of Alexandria Bay, next to a bay of the same name.
- Plessis – A community near the southern border of the town.
- Redwood – A community located between Mud Lake and Butterfield Lake.
- Point Vivian – A community southwest of Alexandria Bay.
- St. Lawrence Park – A community southwest of Point Vivian.
- Skinners Corners – A location east of Alexandria Bay.
- Tanners Corners – A location in the southwestern part of the town.
- Westminster Park – A community on the northern end of Wellesley Island.
Parks and Natural Areas
- Collins Landing Wildlife Management Area – A special area for nature and wildlife.
- Keewaydin State Park – A state park southwest of Alexandria Bay.
- Kring Point State Park – A state park in the northeastern part of the town.
- Mary Island State Park – A state park on Mary Island.
- Wellesley Island State Park – A state park located on Wellesley Island, partly within Alexandria.
Lakes and Islands
- American Narrows – A part of the St. Lawrence River between Wellesley Island and the New York mainland.
- Black Ash Swamp – A wetland near the western town line.
- Butterfield Lake – A lake on the eastern border of the town.
- Clear Lake – A small lake near the southeastern town line.
- Densmore Bay – A bay on the south side of Wellesley Island.
- Goose Bay – A bay in the St. Lawrence River in northeastern Alexandria.
- Ironsides Island – A small island in the St. Lawrence River.
- Lake of the Isles – A bay within Wellesley Island.
- Mary Island – A small island in the St. Lawrence River.
- Mud Lake – A lake near the southeastern town line.
- Swan Bay – A bay in the St. Lawrence River in the western part of the town.
- Wellesley Island – A large island in the St. Lawrence River.
See also
In Spanish: Alexandria (Nueva York) para niños
