Franklin County, New York

Franklin County, New York is a county located in the North Country of New York State, bordering Quebec, Canada, to the north. The county is situated near the Adirondack Mountains and is home to Paul Smith's College, a private college founded by Phineas Wright. The county seat, Malone, New York, is located near the Saranac River and is close to the Adirondack Park Agency. The county is also near the St. Lawrence River and the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Geography

The geography of the county is characterized by the Adirondack Mountains to the south and the St. Lawrence River to the north. The county is bordered by Clinton County, New York to the east and Essex County, New York to the south. The Saranac River flows through the county and is a tributary of the Saint Lawrence River. The county is also home to Lake Titus and Meacham Lake, which are popular spots for fishing and boating. The Adirondack Park Agency manages much of the land in the county, which is also near the High Peaks Wilderness Area and the Dix Mountain Wilderness Area. The county is close to the Olympic Regional Development Authority and the Lake Placid region, which hosted the 1932 Winter Olympics and the 1980 Winter Olympics.

History

The county was founded in 1808 and was named after Benjamin Franklin. The county was originally part of Clinton County, New York but was separated due to its growing population. The county was a major hub for the Underground Railroad during the American Civil War, with many abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman passing through the area. The county was also home to the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, which is a federally recognized tribe and is located near the St. Lawrence River. The county has a rich history of logging and mining, with many companies such as the Remington Arms Company and the General Electric Company operating in the area. The county is also near the Battle of Plattsburgh, which was a major battle during the War of 1812.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the county has a population of approximately 47,000 people. The county has a diverse population, with many residents of French-Canadian and Irish-American descent. The county is also home to a large population of Native Americans, with the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation being located within the county. The county has a high percentage of residents who work in the healthcare and education sectors, with many employees of Alice Hyde Medical Center and SUNY Plattsburgh. The county is also home to a large number of veterans, with many residents having served in the United States Armed Forces.

Communities

The county is composed of several towns and villages, including Malone, New York, Saranac Lake, New York, and Tupper Lake, New York. The county is also home to several hamlets, including Paul Smiths, New York and Duane, New York. The county is near the Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba. The county is also close to the City of Plattsburgh and the Town of Peru. The county has a strong sense of community, with many residents participating in local events such as the Adirondack Balloon Festival and the I Love BBQ Festival.

Government

The county is governed by a board of supervisors, which is composed of representatives from each of the county's towns. The county is also home to several New York State Assembly and New York State Senate districts, including the 115th New York State Assembly and the 45th New York State Senate. The county is represented in the United States House of Representatives by the 21st Congressional District of New York. The county has a strong presence of law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The county is also home to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.

Economy

The economy of the county is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, education, and tourism. The county is home to several major employers, including Alice Hyde Medical Center and SUNY Plattsburgh. The county is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with many visitors coming to enjoy the Adirondack Mountains and the St. Lawrence River. The county has a strong presence of small businesses, including many restaurants and shops in the Village of Malone and the Village of Saranac Lake. The county is also home to several major events, including the Adirondack Balloon Festival and the I Love BBQ Festival, which attract visitors from across the United States and Canada. The county is near the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge and the Seaway International Bridge, which connect the county to Ontario and the rest of North America.