Fort Ann, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fort Ann
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Location in Washington County and the state of New York.
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Washington |
| Metro Area | Glens Falls, New York |
| Fort Anne Built | 1757 |
| Organized | 1786 as Westfield |
| Incorporated | 1808 as Fort Ann |
| Area | |
| • Total | 110.86 sq mi (287.13 km2) |
| • Land | 109.08 sq mi (282.50 km2) |
| • Water | 1.79 sq mi (4.63 km2) 1.20% |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,812 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
12827 (primary)
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| Area code(s) | 518 |
| FIPS code | 36-115-26715 |
| Website | www.townoffortannny.com |
Fort Ann is a town in Washington County, New York, in the United States. It is part of the Glens Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a group of nearby cities and towns. In 2020, about 5,812 people lived in the town.
The town of Fort Ann also includes a smaller area called the Village of Fort Ann. This village is located in the southeastern part of the town.
Contents
Fort Ann's Rich History
Early Forts and Conflicts
Fort Ann is located on an important path that once connected the French and English colonies. This area was a key spot during many early conflicts.
Several forts were built here by different countries. One of the first was a small French fort called "The Pickets" in 1689. Later, the English built forts like "Fort Schuyler" in 1709. They also built "Queen's Fort" in 1711, which was later renamed Fort Anne. These forts helped protect the land during battles.
During the French and Indian War, Fort Anne was rebuilt by the English in 1757. Later, in 1777, a major battle called the Battle of Fort Anne took place here. This battle was part of the American Revolutionary War, a time when America fought for its independence.
How Fort Ann Became a Town
Some parts of the town were given to British army officers in 1764. However, people didn't start settling here until 1775. The town was officially created on March 23, 1786, and was first called "Westfield."
On April 6, 1808, the town's name was changed to Fort Ann. This new name honored the historic battle that happened here. Over time, parts of the original town were used to create other towns, like Hartford in 1793 and Putnam in 1806.
Growth in the 1800s
In 1820, the Village of Fort Ann became its own official municipality within the town. This meant it could manage its own local affairs.
A big change happened in 1823 when the Champlain Canal was finished. This canal connected Fort Ann to other places, making it easier to transport goods and people. Later, the Delaware and Hudson Railway also built a train station in Fort Ann village, further connecting the area to the outside world.
Famous People from Fort Ann
Fort Ann has been home to some notable individuals:
- Orestes Garrison – He was a state assemblyman in Wisconsin.
- Edwin R. Reynolds – He served as a US Congressman.
Fort Ann's Geography and Natural Features
Fort Ann covers a total area of about 110.8 square miles (287.13 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
The town's western edge is the border between Warren and Washington counties. Part of the shoreline of Lake George also forms a border. To the north is the town of Dresden. To the east are the towns of Whitehall and Granville. The southern border is shared with Granville, Hartford, and Kingsbury.
A portion of Fort Ann is located within the beautiful Adirondack Park. Fort Ann is the largest town by area in Washington County.
Mountains and Lakes in Fort Ann
Fort Ann is home to several interesting geographic features:
- Buck Mountain – This is the tallest mountain in the town, reaching about 2,500 feet (762 meters) high.
- Copeland Pond – A small lake located east of Hadlock Pond.
- Crossett Pond – A lake found east of Pilot Knob Mountain.
- Hadlock Pond – A man-made lake also known as Lake Hadlock. Its dam was rebuilt in 2005.
- Halfway Creek – A stream that flows from the southwestern part of town to the Champlain Canal.
- Lake Nebo – A lake located at the edge of the Adirondack Park.
- Pilot Knob – An elevated area near Lake George.
- Sleeping Beauty Mountain – A mountain in the northwestern part of Fort Ann.
- South Bay – The southern end of Lake Champlain is in the northeastern part of the town.
Fort Ann's Population and People
Fort Ann is the third most populated town out of 17 towns in Washington County.
In 2000, there were 6,417 people living in Fort Ann. The population included people of different backgrounds. About 68% were White, and 24% were Black or African American. About 12% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
The average household in Fort Ann had about 2.66 people. The average family had about 3.03 people. The median age in the town was 33 years old. This means half the people were younger than 33, and half were older.
The median income for a household in Fort Ann was $41,832. For families, the median income was $46,944. About 6.7% of the total population lived below the poverty line.
Note: The census counts people in prisons based on where they are held. Fort Ann has two state prisons, which can make the population numbers look different from towns without prisons. This is especially true for the number of males and certain ethnic groups.
Communities and Places in Fort Ann
Main Communities in Fort Ann
- Comstock – A small community near the intersection of US-4 and NY-22. It was once a shipping center. Today, it is home to two state prisons: Great Meadow Correctional Facility and Washington Correctional Facility.
- Fort Ann – This is a village located in the southeastern part of the town. It is found along US-4 and NY-149.
- Hogtown – An old name for the western part of the town. It's a small community where farmers used to let their hogs roam freely.
- Kattskill Bay – A community located on the shore of Lake George.
- Pilot Knob – A community also on the shore of Lake George. It is part of a larger area called East Lake George.
- South Bay – A community located in the northern part of the town, near South Bay Creek.
- West Fort Ann – A community located in the southwestern part of the town.
Other Interesting Locations
- Furnace Hollow – A historic spot in the town.
- Johnnycake Corners – Another historic location in Fort Ann.
- Tripoli – A community located near the southern border of the town.
See also
In Spanish: Fort Ann (Nueva York) para niños
