Franklin County, New York

Allen, Dr. A. H., Cottage Ames Cottage Azure Mountain Fire Observation Station Baird Cottage Berkeley Square Historic District Brighton Town Hall Camp Intermission Camp Topridge Camp Wild Air Church Street Historic District Colbath Cottage Cottage Row Historic District Debar Pond Lodge Distin Cottage Drury Cottage Duane Methodist Episcopal Church Eagle Island Camp Ellenberger Cottage Feisthamel-Edelberg Cottage Feustmann Cottage First Congregational Church First Union Protestant Church of Mountain View Freer Cottage Gray, E. L., House Hastings Farmstead Hathaway Cottage Hill Cottage Hillside Lodge Homestead, The Hooey Cottage Hopkins Cottage Horton Gristmill Hotel Saranac Jennings Cottage Johnson Cottage Joseph, Beth, Synagogue Lady Tree Lodge Larom Cottage Leis Block Leis Cottage Lincoln, Anselm, House Little Red Loon Lake Mountain Fire Observation Station Magill Cottage Malone Armory Malone Downtown Historic District Malone Freight Depot McBean Cottage Merrillsville Cure Cottage Moss Ledge Musselman Cottage Northbrook Lodge Noyes Cottage Oval Wood Dish Factory Paddock Building Pomeroy Cottage Prospect Point Camp Radwell Cottage Ryan Cottage Sarbanes Cottage Savage, Orin, Cottage Schrader-Griswold Cottage Seeley Cottage Sloan Cottage Smith Cottage Smith's, Paul, Electric Light and Power and Railroad Company Complex Smith's, Paul, Hotel Cottages St. Regis Mountain Fire Observation Station St. Regis Presbyterian Church Stonaker Cottage Stuckman Cottage U.S. Inspection Station-Chateaugay, New York U.S. Inspection Station-Fort Covington, New York U.S. Inspection Station-Trout River, New York US Post Office-Malone Valentine, Chester, House Walker Cottage Wilder Homestead Wilson Cottage Witherspoon Cottage

Franklin County, NY is located in the northeastern part of the state and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the region was inhabited by the Mohawk, Algonquin, and Abenaki Native American tribes. The area was claimed by France in the 17th century and became part of New France. After the French and Indian War, the region came under British control as part of the Province of Quebec.

In the late 18th century, American settlers began to arrive in the area. The town of Malone, which is now the county seat, was established in 1805 and quickly became an important center of trade and commerce. In 1808, Franklin County was officially formed from parts of Clinton County, and named after Benjamin Franklin. During the 19th century, the county experienced considerable growth, with the development of agriculture, logging, and mining industries.

The mid-19th century was marked by the construction of railroads, which opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation in the region. The arrival of the railroad brought new economic prospects, attracting more settlers and industries to Franklin County. Notably, the mining industry thrived during this time, with iron ore and other minerals being extracted from the area's rich deposits. However, by the early 20th century, declining mineral prices led to the decline of the mining industry in the county.

Today, Franklin County is known for its natural beauty, with vast outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing in the Adirondack Mountains. The county's economy is diverse, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Additionally, the county is home to educational institutions like Paul Smith's College and SUNY Plattsburgh, contributing to a vibrant community.
Brief timeline of the history of Franklin County, New York:

  • 1838 - Franklin County is established, named in honor of Benjamin Franklin.
  • 1808 - The first settlement is established in Malone.
  • 1828 - The first courthouse is built in Malone.
  • 1842 - The first railroad is opened in Franklin County, connecting Malone to Montreal.
  • 1861-1865 - Franklin County residents serve in the Civil War.
  • 1890 - The Adirondack Park is established, covering a large portion of Franklin County.
  • 1912 - The Malone State School for the mentally handicapped is established.
  • 1920s - The Prohibition era leads to increased smuggling activities in the region.
  • 1980 - The Winter Olympic Games are held in Lake Placid, bringing international attention to Franklin County.
  • 1997 - Franklin County Historical and Museum Society is established to preserve and showcase the county's history.

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