National Register Listing

Smith Cottage

12 Jenkins St., Saranac Lake, NY
Local significance of the building:
Health/medicine; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

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.

health medicine architecture
The first recorded jazz concert took place in New York City in 1917, featuring a band led by the pianist James Reese Europe. Jazz music would go on to become a defining feature of New York's cultural scene, with legendary clubs like the Cotton Club and the Village Vanguard.
New York random facts
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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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.