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The History of Forestport

From settlement to modern day, Forestport has a storied and interesting history. From tumultuous tourism periods to growing and dying industries, this classic Adirondack town has enough history to keep anyone interested! If you would like a more in-depth look at the region’s history, visit our free local library, Woodgate Free Library.

You can also download our extended historical document, a PDF that more closely examines the history of the region, its industries, tourism, and important figures in various eras.

1825

Erie Canal System Completed

1836

Black River Canal System Constructed

1840

Irish Settlement Developed

1869

Forestport Becomes a Township

1870

First Town Governmental Body Elected

1880

Lumber, Farming, and Tourism Booms

1887

Rich and Famous Visit and Settle

1889

Dam Built to Form Kayuta Lake

1890

Waterways Used for Commerce

1891

Fire Destroys Village

1894

Area Described as Tourist Paradise

1897

First Library Built

1898

Dam Breached

1899

Fire Destroys Village a Second TIme

1900

10 Area Schools Developed

1902

Forests Stripped, Lumber Industry Slows

1903

Town Changes to Village Form of Government

1904

Hydro – Electric Plant built on Black RIver

1905

Hydro Plant Sold to Town of Inlet

1906

Fire Destroys Village a Third TIme

1913

Building of Railway Spurs Commerce and Tourism

1915

Diminished Logging Firms Use Rails to Ship Timber

1920

Logging Teams Replaced by Motorized Tractors

1921

Exodus of Lumbering and Farming Industries

1922

Black River Feeder Canal Abandoned

1923

Auto Replaces Livery Teams for Railroad Tourists

1923

Village of Forestport Purchases Power From Inlet

1925

Development Towards North Lake

1926

Village Tax Base Erodes

1929

Erie Canal Closes

1929

The Great Depression

1935

Only 135 Voters in Town

1936

Unpaid Electric Bills Cause Village to Bankrupt

1937

Village of Forestport Unincorporated – Becomes Hamlet

1941

World War II Brings Work for Residents Out of Area

1942

Gas Rationing Slows Tourism to Area

1943

First Woodsmen Field Days Held in Town

1944

Otter Lake Becomes Resort Area

1945

Logs Floated on Adirondack Waterways for Last Time

1949

Area Around Kayuta Lake Developed

1950

Restoration Starts Again – Local Businessmen Attempt to Draw Business to the Area

1951

New Fishing Tackle Business Developed

1969

New Elementary School Built on Route 28

1970

Forestport’s Centennial is Celebrated

1977

General Store Opened on O’Brien Road – Forest Food Stop

1980

U.S Census Shows 1,552 Permanent Residents in Hamlet

1998

Adirondack Railway Restores Rail Service Through Township From Utica to Old Forge

2005

Route 28 Bridge Dedicated to PVC. Gregory Huxley Jr.