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St. Lawrence Historical Association

Abundant natural resources attracted settlers and the great rivers facilitated access to and throughout the region. Even today most of the communities are located along the major rivers that brought their founders and sustained their early growth.

MACOMB’S PURCHASE

The push for settlement of lands along the St. Lawrence River began when New York State created ten townships of ten square miles each and auctioned them in New York City. The state was eager to populate the region in order to better protect its northern border.

In 1786 Alexander Macomb won the auction, bought more land later and eventually owned all of present day St. Lawrence County, as well as most of northern New York. The map below shows the vast extent of
Macomb’s Purchase.

FIRST SETTLEMENT

The first permanent European settlement in St. Lawrence County was at the mouth of the Oswegatchie River near present day Ogdensburg. French missionary Abbe François Piquet built a fort and mission here called Fort la Presentation in 1749.

WATER POWER

Four major rivers and many smaller streams flow from the highlands of the Adirondacks creating numerous opportunities for water powered mills.

FERTILE SOILS

Once cleared, favorable soils and terrain made the lands along the rivers suitable for agriculture.

MINERALS

Valuable minerals were discovered and mined, first iron ore, later feldspar, pyrite, zinc, marble, talc and others. The abundance of minerals led to a thriving quarry industry.

St. Lawrence County Historical Association
3 East Main Street, Box 8, Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 386-8133
Website: Click Here