Charlotte County, Province of New York facts for kids
Charlotte County was an important area in the early days of the Province of New York. This was a time when America was made up of colonies controlled by Britain. Charlotte County was like a very large district or region. It was created on March 24, 1772, from a bigger area called Albany County.
The county got its name from Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. She was the wife of George III of the United Kingdom, who was the King of Great Britain at the time.
Contents
What Was Charlotte County Like?
Charlotte County was much bigger than most counties you see today. Its borders stretched very far!
Where Were Its Borders?
- Western border: This line went from the northern edge of Albany County all the way up to the border with Canada, near a place called St. Regis.
- Southern border: This was the same as the northern border of what is now Saratoga County.
- Northern border: This was also the border with Canada.
A large part of what we now know as western Vermont was also part of Charlotte County back then. At that time, New York claimed this land as its own.
The County Seat
The main town or "county seat" of Charlotte County was Fort Edward. This was where the county government was located and where important decisions were made.
How Charlotte County Changed
The American colonies were changing fast, and so were their borders. Charlotte County didn't stay the same for very long.
Vermont's Claim
In 1777, a new area called the Vermont Republic was formed. This new republic claimed the eastern part of Charlotte County, which is now in modern-day Vermont.
Renaming to Washington County
New York's new state government, called the New York State Legislature, didn't pay much attention to Vermont's claim at first. On April 2, 1784, they decided to change the name of Charlotte County. They renamed it Washington County, in honor of George Washington, who was a very important leader.
The official statement said: "From and after the passing of this act, the county of Tryon shall be called and known by the name of Montgomery, and the county of Charlotte by the name of Washington."
Losing Land to New States and Counties
- Vermont becomes a state: In 1791, Vermont officially became a state. This meant that the part of Charlotte County (now Washington County) that Vermont had claimed became part of the new state of Vermont.
- New counties are formed: In 1799, a new county called Clinton County was created from a part of Washington County. Over time, Clinton County itself was divided to form even more counties in upstate New York.
- Changes in other areas: Also in 1791, the Town of Cambridge was moved from Albany County to Washington County.
So, Charlotte County, which was once a huge area, eventually became part of other counties and even another state as America grew and changed.
