Fort Edward

EXPLORE FORT EDWARD

Fort Edward is the bustling center of Washington County, currently serving as the county seat. Whether by road, water, trail, or rail, visitors can get to the town a number of ways.  Boats traveling up the Champlain Canal can moor at the Yacht Basin. Bike riders will find themselves passing through the town as they head along the Empire State Trail. You can even take the train! Fort Edward is a stop along Amtrak’s Adirondack Line.

 

Steeped in history, the town is a great mix of old and new — and everything in between! Visit the Old Fort House Museum to experience life as it once was in the town, and you might even catch a stray spirit in passing. Or explore the wartime history at the Rogers Island Visitors Center. This town is steeped in history and is a thrill to explore!

The History of Fort Edward, NY

Icon of a valley

Pre-Settler

Prior to the construction of any forts, the area was known by the old Native American name “Wahcoloosencoochaleva” or the “Great Carrying Place,” because it was the starting point of a portage between the Hudson River and Lake Champlain.

1700s

By the mid-1700s, Fort Edward’s first documented structure was built: a fur trading post known as Lydius House or Fort Lydius. The Great Carrying Place went on to become a strategic military base of operations. From the French and Indian War to the American Revolution, Rogers Island and the adjacent fort on the mainland saw many struggles for control of the area.

Icon of a boat on water

1700s

By the mid-1700s, Fort Edward’s first documented structure was built: a fur trading post known as Lydius House or Fort Lydius. The Great Carrying Place went on to become a strategic military base of operations. From the French and Indian War to the American Revolution, Rogers Island and the adjacent fort on the mainland saw many struggles for control of the area.

Icon of a valley

1800s

The town of Fort Edward was established in 1818 from Argyle and Greenwich, and the village was set off from the town in 1849. Fort Edward’s proximity to the Feeder Canal, built in the 1820s, made it a great location for mills and manufacturing. Clothing, paper, iron ore, lumber, pottery, and more were made here.

Today

Fort Edward today is home to a number of businesses with an unintentional nod to the town’s past, from craft beer to paper products. The Feeder Canal remains as well, and is now a recreational trail for kayakers as well as bikers and runners.

Icon of a boat on water

Today

Fort Edward today is home to a number of businesses with an unintentional nod to the town’s past, from craft beer to paper products. The Feeder Canal remains as well, and is now a recreational trail for kayakers as well as bikers and runners.

Plan Your Trip to Fort Edward

Found 27 listings
Sort by: From Z to A
From A to Z

Washington County Historical Society

The Washington County Historical Society is an educational organization dedicated to promoting public interest and participation in the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Washington County, NY. Headquartered in the historic Wing-Northup house we maintain  the Heritage Research Library, a repository for regional books, written documents, genealogical information, and memorabilia. All sales in our society bookshop go toward the continuation of our mission. Lectures, workshops, tours and social events are scheduled throughout the year. The Wing Northup House Library and Bookshop are open 9:30-4:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Address:
167 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY, USA, Fort Edward, New York, United States 12828
Phone: 518-747-9108
Website:
Email: info@wchs-ny.org

Events in Fort Edward

Stay up to date with events in Fort Edward and throughout Washington County

How to Get to Fort Edward

The west town line of Fort Edward is defined by the Hudson River, and is the border of Saratoga County, New York.

Videos

Community Links


Welcome to the Village of Fort Edward - Village of Fort Edward
Welcome - Town of Fort Edward