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New York State...
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New York Counties
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New York Counties
There are 62 counties in the State of New York. The first twelve counties in New York were
created immediately after the British annexation of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, although two of these
counties have since been abolished. The most recent county formation in New York was in 1912, when Bronx County
was created from the portions of New York City that had been annexed from Westchester County. New York's
counties are named for a variety of Native American words, British provinces, cities, and royalty, early
American statesmen and generals, and state politicians. |
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Essex County, New York
Essex County History, Geography, Demographics, Cities and Towns, and Education
County Seat: Elizabethtown
Year Organized: 1799
Square Miles: 1,797 |
Court House: Court Street, P.O. Box 217
County Government Center
Elizabethtown, NY 12932-0000
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Etymology - Origin of County Name
named for Essex County, England
Demographics:
County QuickFacts:
Census Bureau Quick Facts
History
Essex County, was originally settled from New England. Its greatest length N. and S. 43,. greatest breadth E. and W.
41 miles; centrally distant from New York 271, and from Albany 126 miles. “The surface of this county is decidedly
mountainous, in which respect it bears a striking contrast to the St. Lawrence. In addition to this, it may be remarked,
that the hills, as well as the mountains, are steep and abrupt, and almost uniformly present, on one side, a precipice
nearly perpendicular. In this county there are no long and gradual slopes, or gentle risings towards the mountain
summit, but they are always bold and difficult of ascent. A surface of country thus characterized, combined also with
great height, both of the general surface and especially of numerous peaks, alters to a very great extent its
agricultural character. By this combination, the mean temperature of the county is reduced so low, that the cultivation
of some of the most useful vegetables is prevented, or they are crops so uncertain, on account of late springs and early
autumnal frosts, that little inducement is held out for trying them even as matters of experiment.
“The whole of this county lies within the northern primitive district, except a strip, of lower secondary, which borders
the lake for many miles, and which has generally a surface of rock lime. Iron ore of the best quality abounds everywhere
on the hills; marble is apparent in Moriah; plumbago in several districts; ochres, from which paint is made, in
Ticonderoga; and some copper, it is said, has been discovered in the northern part of the county.” The county is divided
into 15 towns. (Historical Collections of the State of New York, Past and Present, John Barber, Clark Albien & Co.,
1851)
Located in the northeastern part of the state, Essex County encompasses 1,907 square miles of varied terrain,
extending westward from Lake Champlain into the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. One of the state's most scenic
counties, it is also among its most historic. Its rugged mountains and pleasant valleys have provided the backdrop
for military battles, mining, logging, anti-slavery activities, women's suffrage, international athletic
competitions, and outdoor adventure. The county was established in 1799 and consists of eighteen townships. It is
governed by a Board of Supervisors, with the county seat located in Elizabethtown.
Full History at NYSAC
Geography
Essex County is in the northeastern part of New York State, just west of Vermont along the eastern boundary of
the State. The eastern boundary of Essex County is Lake Champlain, which serves as the New York-Vermont border. The
highest point in New York, Mount Marcy is in the Town of Keene.
The Ausable River forms a partial northern boundary for the county.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,916 square miles (4,964 kmē), of which, 1,797
square miles (4,654 kmē) of it is land and 120 square miles (310 kmē) of it (6.25%) is water.
Neighboring Counties:
- Clinton County, New York - north
- Chittenden County, Vermont - northeast
- Addison County, Vermont - east
- Washington County, New York - south
- Warren County, New York - south
- Hamilton County, New York - southwest
- Franklin County, New York - northwest
Cities and Towns:
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- Chesterfield |
town |
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- Crown Point |
town |
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- Elizabethtown
(County
Seat) |
town |
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- Essex |
town |
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- Jay |
town |
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- Keene |
town |
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- Keeseville |
village |
Incorporated Area |
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- Lake Placid |
village |
Incorporated Area |
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- Lewis |
town |
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- Minerva |
town |
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- Moriah |
town |
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- Newcomb |
town |
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- North Elba |
town |
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- North Hudson |
town |
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- Port Henry |
village |
Incorporated Area |
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- Schroon |
town |
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- St. Armand |
town |
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- Ticonderoga |
town |
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- Westport |
town |
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- Willsboro |
town |
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- Wilmington |
town |
County Resources:
Enter County Resources and Information Here
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County Resource Guide
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The history of our nation can be seen as a prolonged struggle to define the relative roles and powers of our governments: federal, state, and local. And the names we've given our counties, our most locally based jurisdictions, reflects the "characteristic
features of our country!"
But age, size and colorful names of our counties isn't the only reason to explore counties' role in American history, or the history of county government itself. In fact, the story of county government reflects the larger meanings of American history.
Today's counties are the most flexible, locally responsive and creative governments in the US. They are the most diverse, varying in size, population, geography, and governmental structure. In their politics and policies, they express a 1990's political slogan "Think globally,
act locally." |
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