Port Kent, New York facts for kids
Port Kent is a small community, also known as a hamlet, located in the town of Chesterfield. It's found in Essex County, New York, right on the western shore of Lake Champlain. Imagine a quiet spot by a big lake! The last time its population was counted, there were 217 people living there, in 141 homes. Its special postal code, or ZIP code, is 12975.
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Discovering Port Kent
Port Kent is a charming place with a rich history, especially known for its connection to a famous historical figure and its past as a travel hub. It's a great spot to learn about how communities grow and change over time.
Where is Port Kent?
Port Kent is nestled in the beautiful landscape of upstate New York. It sits right next to Lake Champlain, a very large freshwater lake that forms part of the border between New York and Vermont. Being on the lake shore means it has lovely views and a connection to water travel.
Travel and Transportation
For many years, Port Kent was an important place for travelers.
- Ferry Service: There used to be a ferry that would take people and cars across Lake Champlain to Burlington, Vermont. This service was run by the Lake Champlain Transportation Company and was available during certain seasons. It was a fun way to cross the lake!
- Train Station: Port Kent also has an Amtrak railroad stop. This train stop offered seasonal service, meaning it ran only at certain times of the year, connecting cities like Montreal in Canada with New York City.
Sadly, the ferry service has stopped running. Because of this, the train station is not currently in use for passengers. It's a bit like a waiting game to see what happens next for transportation in Port Kent.
A Historic Home
One of the most special places in Port Kent is the Elkanah Watson House. This house is so important that it's been named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's recognized as a place that tells a big part of American history.
Who was Elkanah Watson?
Elkanah Watson was a very interesting person who lived in this house after the American Revolution. He was an entrepreneur, which means he was good at starting and growing businesses. He worked hard to encourage people to settle in the area and helped develop new businesses. He also pushed for the building of canals across New York State, which were like water highways for boats. He even started the first State Bank of Albany! Later, he moved to Massachusetts and created the very first state fair in the United States, held in Pittsfield. He was truly a person who helped shape the early United States.
