List of New York State Historic Markers in Jefferson County, New York facts for kids
This is a list of special markers in Jefferson County, New York. These markers are like signs that tell us about important places and events in history. They help us learn about the past and the people who lived here long ago.
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Exploring Jefferson County's Historic Markers
Historic markers are placed all around New York State. They help us remember important moments and people from the past. In Jefferson County, these markers tell stories about early settlers, battles, and famous residents.
Markers in Brownville
- Babcock Homestead: A Secret Path to Freedom
The Babcock Homestead was built in 1832-33 by Jesse Babcock. This home was a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a network of safe houses that helped enslaved people escape to freedom in Canada. It's a powerful reminder of a time when brave people risked everything for liberty.
- Brown Mansion: Home of a War Hero
The Brown Mansion in Brownville was the home of General Jacob Brown. He was a very important military leader during the War of 1812. General Brown commanded the American forces along the northern border. Later, he became the top general of the U.S. Army in 1821 and served until he passed away in 1828.
Markers in Cape Vincent
- Carleton Island: A Place of Old Forts
Carleton Island has a long history. The British took control of it in 1774. They built Fort Haldimand there with the help of the Iroquois people between 1778 and 1779. However, American forces captured the island during the War of 1812.
- Cup-and-Saucer: A Secret for Napoleon?
Near Real Street in Cape Vincent, a house was built in 1816 by Count Pierre Francois Real. People say this house was meant to be a secret hiding place for Napoleon, the famous French leader. Sadly, the house burned down in 1867.
- War of 1812 Barracks
During the War of 1812, American soldiers needed places to stay. Barracks, which are like military dorms, were built at the corner of Broadway and James Street in Cape Vincent. More barracks were also located at the end of James Street.
- French Catholic Church: A Place of Worship
About a mile southwest of Rosiere, a French Catholic Church was built in 1832. Early settlers, including heroes from Napoleon's army and French refugees, came here to worship. It shows how different people came together in this area.
- Kent's Creek: The First Mill
On County Road, about 1.5 miles southwest of Rosiere, you'll find Kent's Creek. This was the location of the very first grist mill in the Town of Cape Vincent. A grist mill grinds grain into flour. It was built before 1809, which means it was very important for the early community.
- Millens Bay: A Daring Capture
In June 1812, a brave group of Americans led by Abner Hubbard crossed the water from Millens Bay. They went to Carleton Island and successfully captured Fort Haldimand, along with its British soldiers. This was an important event in the War of 1812.
- Stone House: A Safe Haven
The Stone House in Cape Vincent Village was built in 1815 by J.D. Le Ray de Chaumont. This house became a safe place for Canadian rebels during the Patriot War in 1838. It shows how people helped each other during times of trouble.
- Tibbetts Point Lighthouse: A Guiding Light
At Tibbetts Point, southwest of Cape Vincent, stands a lighthouse. This was the very first lighthouse built in Jefferson County. It was first constructed in 1827 and then rebuilt in 1854. Lighthouses are crucial for guiding ships safely.
- Arrow Memorial Altar
About three miles southeast of Cape Vincent, on NYS 12E, you can find the Arrow Memorial Altar. This altar was built in 1832 by James Le Ray de Chaumont. It stands on the site of an old French Catholic Church, honoring its history.
Markers in Clayton
- Depauville Church: Open to All
In Depauville, a church was built between 1834 and 1835. Francis Depau donated the land for this church. He made sure that the building would always be "open and free to the use of all denominations." This meant people of any faith could worship there.
- Elm Flat Church: The First Church
Near Depauville, at the intersection of County Road 179 and NYS 12, stood the first church in the Town of Clayton. It was a log building built in 1820 by the Free Will Baptists. This simple building was very important to the early community.
- Onondaga Trails: Ancient Pathways
At the intersection of NYS 12 and County Road 179 in Depauville, you'll find a marker about the Onondaga Trails. These were old war trails used by Native Americans. They connected Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, showing ancient travel routes.
Markers in Ellisburg
- Hospital for Soldiers
After the Battle of Big Sandy on May 28, 1814, a house near the Oswego-Jefferson County line was used as a hospital. It cared for British soldiers who were injured during the battle.
- Bonnie View: Home of a Famous Author
Bonnie View, located north of Pierrepont Manor, was the birthplace and home of Marietta Holley. She lived from 1840 to 1926 and was a famous author. She wrote the "Samantha" novels under the pen name "Josiah Allen's Wife."
- Fair View: A Family Home
In Woodville, on Route 193, is Fair View. This property was bought by Ebenezer Wood in 1804. What's special is that the Wood family has lived there continuously ever since that date, for over 200 years!
Markers in Henderson
- Camp de L'observation: A French Camp
On the west side of NYS 3, near Sackets Harbor, you can find the site of Camp de L'observation. This camp was set up by the French in 1756. It was located on Association Island, showing early European presence in the area.
Markers in Hounsfield
- Augustus Sacket: A Town Founder
At the intersection of Main and Ray streets in Sackets Harbor, there's a marker for Augustus Sacket. He was a pioneer who helped found Sackets Harbor. He bought land in Hounsfield in 1801 and was the first judge of Jefferson County.
- Blanchard Stand: A Famous Inn
About two miles west of Watertown, on NYS 3, stood the Blanchard Stand. Stephen Blanchard built it in 1823. It was rebuilt in 1867 and became known as the Half-Way-House until 1913. It was a very famous country inn where travelers could rest.
- Blockhouse: War of 1812 Defense
On Washington Street in Sackets Harbor, you can see the site of a blockhouse. This strong building was put up in 1812 to defend against British attacks during the War of 1812. The nearby Stone House was the Tisdale Homestead, built in 1819.
- Fort Chauncey: Named for a Commodore
Fort Chauncey was an important site during the War of 1812. It was located on Monroe Street in Sackets Harbor. The fort was named after Commodore Isaac Chauncey, a naval officer.
- Fort Kentucky: A Stronghold
Near the lake on Washington Street in Sackets Harbor, you'll find the site of Fort Kentucky. This fort was used during the War of 1812. It had 28 guns and a blockhouse in its center, making it a powerful defense.
- Fort Tompkins: On Navy Point
Fort Tompkins was located on Navy Point in Sackets Harbor, at the intersection of Main Street and the road along the lake shore. This fort was also used during the War of 1812 and was named after Governor Daniel D. Tompkins.
- Home of Dr. Samuel Guthrie: A Medical Pioneer
Between Sackets Harbor and Jewettville, a marker points to the home of Dr. Samuel Guthrie. Born in 1782, he passed away in 1848. Dr. Guthrie made amazing discoveries: he discovered chloroform in 1831 and invented percussion caps. He also served as a surgeon in the War of 1812.
- Fort Pike: A Defensive Position
Along the lakefront within Madison Barracks in Sackets Harbor, you can find the site of Fort Pike. Behind these breastworks (defensive walls) was a blockhouse. It was built by Americans to defend against the British during the War of 1812.
- Union Hotel: A Place for Meetings
The Union Hotel was built in April 1817 by Frederic White at the intersection of Main and Ray streets in Sackets Harbor. This building was important for community gatherings. The first Masonic Lodge in Jefferson County, Ontario Lodge, was formed here in 1805. Later, Athol Lodge formed in 1818, and Sackets Lodge in 1848.
- Virginia: An Armed Ship
On Washington Street in Sackets Harbor, a marker tells about the "Virginia." This was a ship used during the War of 1812. It was armed with 16 guns, making it a formidable vessel.
- War of 1812: British Landing
At the end of the Town Road along the lake shore in Sackets Harbor, a marker notes an important event from the War of 1812. It marks the spot where the British landed at daybreak on Sunday, July 19, 1812.
Markers in Orleans
- First Mill: LaFargeville's Beginning
On NYS 180 in LaFargeville, you'll find the site of the first mill. It was built in 1819 at a place then known as Log Mills. On July 4, 1823, the area was renamed LaFargeville, marking a new chapter for the community.
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