History of Watertown, New York

Watertown is a city located in Jefferson County, New York, United States. It has a long and rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Information on the geography of Watertown can be found here.

The area that is now Watertown was originally inhabited by the Iroquois Native American tribe. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, European settlers began to arrive in the area and establish farms and settlements.

In 1805, Watertown was officially founded as a village by settlers from Connecticut and Massachusetts. It was named after the town of Watertown, Massachusetts, which many of the settlers were from.

In 1813, Watertown became an important military center during the War of 1812, serving as a base for the U.S. Army. It was also an important transportation hub, with several major roads and the Black River Canal passing through the city.

During the 19th century, Watertown became an important industrial center, with several major factories and mills located in the city. It was also home to several important institutions, such as the New York State School for the Deaf, which was founded in 1817, and the State University of New York at Watertown, which was founded in 1868.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Watertown continued to grow and thrive, with several major businesses and industries located in the city. It was also home to several notable figures, including abolitionist and women's rights activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who was born in Watertown in 1815.

Today, Watertown is a vibrant and thriving city with a diverse population and a rich history. It is home to several cultural and historical attractions, including the Watertown Museum, the Black River Valley Club, and the New York State School for the Deaf. We have put together a short list of things to do while in Watertown, NY.