Sanford House
749 Ridge Rd., Queensbury, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
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 Erie Canal, which opened in 1825 and connects the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, was originally mocked as "Clinton's Folly" after Governor DeWitt Clinton, who championed the project. However, the canal became an economic boon for New York and helped turn the state into a major commercial center.
In the early years of settlement, agriculture played a significant role in Warren County's economy. Farmers cultivated crops such as corn, wheat, and potatoes, while the region's abundant forests provided timber for construction and trade. The completion of the Champlain Canal in 1823 opened up new opportunities for commerce and transportation, linking Warren County to markets throughout the Hudson River Valley.
The mid-19th century brought significant changes to the county with the emergence of the lumber and mining industries. The vast forests of Warren County were harvested for timber, which was used for building homes, ships, and railroad ties. Additionally, iron mines were opened, and the county became an important producer of iron ore. This period of growth and industrialization led to an increase in population and the development of new towns and villages throughout Warren County.
With the decline of the lumber and mining industries in the late 19th century, tourism emerged as a major economic driver for Warren County. The region's natural beauty, including Lake George, the Adirondack Mountains, and numerous recreational opportunities, attracted visitors from near and far. Today, Warren County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and historical sites that showcase the county's fascinating past.
Warren County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Warren County, New York.
- 1768 - Warren County founded as part of Albany County in the Province of New York.
- 1772 - The town of Queensbury is settled.
- 1780 - During the American Revolutionary War, General John Stark's forces win the Battle of Bennington, which helps to secure the area.
- 1813 - Warren County is officially formed on March 12th, 1813.
- 1839 - Lake George steamboats begin operating, promoting tourism in the region.
- 1851 - A fire destroys a significant portion of the county seat, resulting in the relocation of the county government to Glens Falls.
- 1863 - The Battle of Fort Ann, a minor engagement during the American Civil War, takes place in Warren County.
- 1908 - The Glen Iris Inn on Lake Placid, now known as The Sagamore, opens and becomes a renowned resort attracting wealthy visitors.
- 1928 - The Sacandaga Reservoir is completed, flooding large portions of the county and displacing numerous communities.
- 1950s - The construction of the Northway (Interstate 87) brings increased accessibility to Warren County and boosts tourism.