Willsboro, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Willsboro, New York
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Paine Memorial Library, built in 1930
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Location in Essex County and the state of New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Essex |
| Government | |
| • Type | Town Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 73.38 sq mi (190.06 km2) |
| • Land | 42.71 sq mi (110.62 km2) |
| • Water | 30.67 sq mi (79.44 km2) |
| Elevation | 128 ft (39 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,905 |
| • Density | 44.60/sq mi (17.22/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
12996
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| Area code(s) | 518 |
| FIPS code | 36-031-82271 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0979643 |
Willsboro is a town in Essex County, New York. It is located about 30 miles south of the city of Plattsburgh. In 2020, the town had a population of 1,905 people. Willsboro was named after an early landowner, William Gilliland.
Contents
History of Willsboro
Early Settlement and Name
The area where Willsboro is located was first settled by Europeans in 1765. This settlement was started by William Gilliland. He originally called the place "Milltown" because he built a sawmill there. The sawmill was located on the falls of the Boquet River, which runs through the center of the town.
After the American Revolutionary War, the town's name was changed. It became "Willsborough," and later it was shortened to "Willsboro." This new name honored William Gilliland, the founder.
Willsboro's Industries and Growth
Willsboro has always been known for its farming and tourism. However, the Industrial Revolution also brought changes to the town. For many years, the main employer in Willsboro was a paper mill. This mill produced wood pulp, which is used to make paper.
Another important local industry was a blue limestone quarry. Stone from this quarry was used in famous buildings. For example, it helped build the New York State Capitol in Albany. It was also used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Important Residents and Buildings
One notable person who lived in Willsboro was Augustus G. Paine, Jr.. He was a paper manufacturer and spent part of his year in Willsboro. His large business was located there.
Paine asked architect C. P. H. Gilbert to design the Essex County Bank in 1921. Later, in May 1930, Paine gave a large gift to the town. He donated $150,000 to build a public library. This library was built in memory of his mother. Both the bank and the library were designed by Gilbert in the Neoclassical style.
Augustus G. Paine, Jr. also had a summer home built for his family. It was called Flat Rock Camp and was located on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Changes After World War II
After World War II, the paper industry began to slow down. The paper mill in Willsboro closed in the 1960s. This caused economic challenges for the town. To help the economy, Willsboro focused on tourism. People came to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the lake, and the wild natural areas.
More recently, new businesses have come to Willsboro. These include a wollastonite mine, which extracts a type of mineral. There are also companies that make curtains and furniture. Many web-based service companies have also moved to the town. Willsboro is also becoming a place where people live and then travel to work in Plattsburgh.
Historic Places in Willsboro
Several buildings and areas in Willsboro are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites. These include:
- Adsit Log House
- Abraham Aiken House
- Flat Rock Camp
- Ligonier Point Historic District
- Sheldon–Owens Farm
- Willsboro Congregational Church
- The Willsboro School
Geography of Willsboro
Willsboro covers a total area of about 73.38 square miles (190.1 square kilometers). Of this, about 42.71 square miles (110.7 square kilometers) is land. The rest, about 30.67 square miles (79.4 square kilometers), is water. This means a large part of the town's area is water.
The eastern border of Willsboro is Lake Champlain. This lake also forms the border between New York and Vermont. The Boquet River flows through the town and empties into Lake Champlain. This happens just east of the main Willsboro village.
New York State Route 22 is a major highway that runs north and south through Willsboro.
Population of Willsboro
In 2020, the population of Willsboro was 1,905 people. The town has seen its population change over the years. For example, in 1820, there were 888 people. The population grew to 2,025 in 2010 before decreasing slightly by 2020.
Communities and Locations
Willsboro has several smaller communities and interesting places within its borders:
- Farrell Point – This is a piece of land that sticks out into the southern part of Willsboro Bay.
- Hatch Point – This is the northernmost part of the town. It is located on the northern tip of Willsboro Point.
- Highland Forge Lake – A lake found near the northern border of the town, north of Long Pond.
- Jones Point/Flat Rock Point – A piece of land that extends into Lake Champlain. It is northeast of the main Willsboro village.
- Long Pond – A pond located near the northern border of the town.
- Pok-O-Maccready – This is a local summer camp. It has been open since 1904 and is the oldest family-run camp in the United States.
- Reber – A small community, or hamlet, in the southwestern part of the town. It is located on County Road 14.
- Willsboro – This is the main village, also called a hamlet, in the eastern part of the town. It is on NY-22, where the Boquet River meets Lake Champlain. It is also a popular place for tourists.
- Willsboro Bay – A bay of Lake Champlain. It is located between Willsboro Point and the mainland.
- Willsboro Point – A peninsula (land surrounded by water on three sides) that extends into Lake Champlain.
- Willsboro Point – This is also a hamlet located on the eastern shore of Willsboro Point, on County Road 27. The historic Edgewater Farm is located here.
Notable People from Willsboro
- Sophie Clarke – She was the winner of the TV show Survivor: South Pacific.
- Hugh Pool – A talented blues musician and record producer.
Images for kids
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View of the Boquet River in Willsboro, New York. Taken in the fall of 2023.
See also
In Spanish: Willsboro (Nueva York) para niños
