Fort Edward, New York
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| Fort Edward, New York | |
|---|---|
| Name | Fort Edward |
| Settlement type | Village |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New York |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Washington |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Matthew Traver |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | c. 1709 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (village) |
| Established date1 | 1849 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 2.7 |
| Area total sq mi | 1.0 |
| Area land km2 | 2.4 |
| Area land sq mi | 0.9 |
| Area water km2 | 0.3 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.1 |
| Elevation m | 41 |
| Elevation ft | 135 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 3253 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 12828 |
| Area code | 518 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 36-26819 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0950205 |
| Website | www.fortedwardnewyork.gov |
Fort Edward, New York is a village in Washington County, New York and the county seat. Located on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, it is part of the Glens Falls metropolitan area. The community's history is deeply intertwined with colonial military conflicts, including the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War.
History
The strategic importance of the site at the confluence of the Hudson River and Wood Creek was recognized early, leading to the construction of a fortified trading post around 1709 by John Henry Lydius. During the French and Indian War, the British built a major military complex named Fort Edward in 1755, which became one of the largest British installations in North America and a staging ground for campaigns like the Battle of Lake George. The fort was a focal point during the Rogers' Rangers exploits and was infamously associated with the murder of Jane McCrea in 1777, an event used as propaganda against the British Army. Following the American Revolution, the area developed as a commercial center, aided by the Champlain Canal and later the Delaware and Hudson Railway.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.0 square mile, of which 0.9 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. The village is situated on the Hudson River, with the Champlain Canal running through it. The geography is characterized by flat river plains, with the village center located on a rise above the floodplain. It is bordered by the town of Fort Edward (town), New York and is adjacent to the city of Hudson Falls, New York.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 3,253 people residing in the village. The population density was approximately 3,614 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income was below the state average, and a portion of the population lived below the federal poverty line.
Economy
Historically, the economy was driven by the Champlain Canal and related industries like paper mills. The decline of heavy manufacturing in the late 20th century shifted the economic base. Today, the economy includes healthcare, retail, and light manufacturing. Major employers include the General Electric Silicon carbide plant in nearby Salem and the Hudson Falls Central School District. The village is also home to the Washington County Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Washington County Fair.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the area include John Burgoyne, the British general who occupied the fort in 1777; Robert Rogers, who formed Rogers' Rangers there; and Abigail Hopper Gibbons, the abolitionist and social reformer who was born in the village. Modern notable residents include former Major League Baseball player Dave LaPoint and National Football League player Jared Turcotte.
Education
Public education is provided by the Fort Edward Union Free School District, which operates Fort Edward Elementary School and Fort Edward Junior-Senior High School. The district is known for its Fort Edward Garnet Devils athletic teams. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, New York and SUNY Adirondack.
Category:Villages in Washington County, New York Category:Populated places on the Hudson River Category:County seats in New York (state)