National Register Listing

Public Square Historic District (Boundary Increase)

J.B. Wise & Park Pls., Arcade & Stone Sts., Watertown, NY
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Woodstock Music Festival, which is considered a seminal moment in American cultural history, did not actually take place in the town of Woodstock, New York. The festival was held on a dairy farm in nearby Bethel, New York, about 60 miles south of Woodstock.
New York random facts
Jefferson County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Iroquois Confederacy, who lived off the land and utilized the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario for transportation and trade routes.

European exploration and settlement began in the 16th century, when French explorers explored the area as part of their efforts to establish fur trading posts in the New World. In 1800, the land that would become Jefferson County was part of the larger Oneida County, under New York state. However, in 1805, it was split off to become Jefferson County, named after Thomas Jefferson, the then-president of the United States.

During the War of 1812, the county played a significant role as a strategic location along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. The village of Sackets Harbor became an important military base for the American military, serving as a shipyard, barracks, and naval headquarters for the region. The Battle of Sackets Harbor in 1813 marked a pivotal moment in the conflict, as American forces successfully repelled British attacks, securing a crucial victory.

As the 19th century progressed, Jefferson County continued to develop economically and socially. Agriculture became a key industry, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and dairy products. The county's fertile soil and proximity to transportation routes helped it to become a major hub for trade and commerce. Additionally, the construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century further connected the county to other parts of New York state, boosting its economic growth.

Today, Jefferson County retains its historical significance and is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and rich heritage. The region's museums and historic sites, such as the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about the county's past and appreciate its historical impact.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jefferson County, New York.

  • 1805: Jefferson County is established in the state of New York.
  • 1807: Watertown becomes the county seat of Jefferson County.
  • 1812: The War of 1812 begins, and Jefferson County provides soldiers to fight in the conflict.
  • 1817: The Erie Canal is completed, bringing economic growth to Jefferson County.
  • 1838: The Great Fire of 1838 destroys much of the business district in Watertown.
  • 1861-1865: Jefferson County residents serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1894: The Thousand Islands Bridge linking Jefferson County to Canada is completed.
  • 1905: The New York State Agricultural Experiment Station is established in Watertown.
  • 1940s-1950s: The Goodrich Island nuclear power plant is built in Jefferson County.
  • 1998: The Thompson Park Zoo opens in Watertown.
  • 2010: Jefferson County celebrates its 205th anniversary.