Clare Town Hall

a.k.a. Town of Clare Museum

3441 CR 27, Clare, NY
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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 oldest standing lighthouse in New York State is the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was completed in 1796 and is located on the eastern tip of Long Island. It is also the fourth-oldest active lighthouse in the United States.
St. Lawrence County, located in northern New York, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The earliest known inhabitants of the area were Native American tribes, particularly the Mohawk and Iroquois Confederacy, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade. European explorers and fur traders began arriving in the 17th century, with Samuel de Champlain being one of the first to visit the area in 1609.

The area that is now known as St. Lawrence County was officially established in 1802 when it was carved out of previously established counties. The county was named after the St. Lawrence River, which flows along its northern border. During the early 19th century, the construction of the Erie Canal and the development of the Great Lakes transportation system brought significant economic growth to the region. The county became a prominent hub for trade, agriculture, and manufacturing.

St. Lawrence County played a significant role in the development of the United States during the War of 1812. The region saw numerous military engagements, including the Battle of Ogdensburg in 1813. The county's strategic location along the St. Lawrence River made it an essential supply route and defensive position for both the American and British forces.

In the 20th century, St. Lawrence County experienced further economic growth with the expansion of industries such as mining, forestry, and tourism. The county is home to the popular Adirondack Park, a vast protected wilderness area known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Today, St. Lawrence County continues to thrive as a vibrant community that celebrates its diverse history and embraces its natural resources.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of St. Lawrence County, New York.

  • 1791: St. Lawrence County is established as an original county of the state of New York.
  • 1802: The county seat is established in the village of Ogdensburg.
  • 1828: Construction of the St. Lawrence Canal begins.
  • 1831: Completion of the St. Lawrence Canal, facilitating transportation and commerce in the region.
  • 1850: The Talcottville-Two Taverns Road is completed, providing a major transportation route through the county.
  • 1862: The St. Lawrence County Fair is first held, becoming an annual tradition in the region.
  • 1887: Formation of the Adirondack Park, encompassing a portion of St. Lawrence County.
  • 1906: The St. Lawrence Power Dam is completed, harnessing the power of the St. Lawrence River.
  • 1941-1945: St. Lawrence County residents actively participate in World War II.
  • 1960s: Development of the St. Lawrence Seaway, opening new opportunities for international shipping and trade.
  • 1980s: Economic decline in the region due to restructuring of industries.
  • Present day: St. Lawrence County continues to be a hub for outdoor recreational activities, tourism, and education.