Fort Edward
Fort Edward has had a front row seat for many major episodes in American history - and pre-history. Named for the British fortifications constructed to guard the Upper Hudson during the Seven Years War during the late 1750s, Fort Edward's temporary military population neared that of major colonial cities such as New York, Philadelphia and Boston. The Old Fort House, now housing the Old Fort House Museum, was built ca. 1772, in part from timbers salvaged from Fort Edward.
Little Wood Creek, on the bank of the Hudson River near the Old Fort House, was the site of major Native American occupations, one era dating to 1000 B.C., and another to 1000 to 1300 A.D. Archaeological investigations at the Little Wood Creek site and nearby have unearthed extensive evidence of the material culture of the local population over a 2,000 to 6,000 year interval.
Fort Edward industry took advantage of the natural falls of the local waterway, the local natural resources to process, and the Champlain Canal. By 1854, the Fort Edward Blast Furnace was producing pig iron from ore mined near Fort Ann and brought to the furnace through the canal. Fort Edward stoneware was produced by several local firms from 1858 until the 1940s. The large glazed crocks, jugs, flowerpots and other vessels often featuring cobalt decoration and a brown glazed interior are highly sought after collector's items today.
Another important area of Fort Edward is the village of Fort Miller located in the southern end of the town. Fort Miller was named for the defensive fortifications on the West side of the Hudson River opposite the site of the village. It was built during the French and Indian War and was named in honor of the builder, a Colonel Miller who's given name had not been recorded. Fort Miller is now an important destination near Lock 6 of the Champlain Canal.
More than 140 years ago, the Delaware & Hudson began service through Upstate New York. Today, Amtrak's Adirondack carries on the nostalgic and romantic service from the Hudson Valley through the Champlain Valley to Montreal, showcasing the history and scenic beauty of the region along the way. Station service is available at Fort Edward at the corner of East and Rogers Streets. Click here to view the Adirondack Route Guide.
Town of Fort Edward
118 Broadway
Fort Edward 12828
Tel. 747-5212
Town of Fort Edward Historian
R. Paul McCarty
85 Broadway,
Fort Edward 12828
Village of Ft Edward
118 Broadway
Fort Edward 12828
Tel. 747-4023
Town of Argyle
Municipal Building,
41 Main St.
Argyle, NY 12809
Tel. 638-8681 ext 10
Town of Argyle Historian
Susan Brennan,
69 Brennan Rd.,
Argyle, NY 12809
Tel. 638-8308
Village of Argyle
Municipal Bldg.,
Main St., Argyle 12809
Tel. 638-8681,
For more information on dining or lodging, please contact:
Washington County Tourism
518-209-0697
Washington County Tourism Association
888-203-8622
Fort Edward Chamber of Commerce
Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
518-798-1761
Points of Interest
Historic
- Fort Edward Historical Association
- Jane McCrea's House and Burial Site
- Old Fort House Museum
- Roger's Island Visitors Center
- Site of the French & Indian War & Revolutionary Wars
- Union Cemetery
Cultural
Recreation
