Watertown, New York perches at the gateway
to the famed
Thousand Island Region. One of
upstate New York's oldest communities,
Watertown settlers determined to create an
industrial center in the midst of the rugged
scenic beauty here. Leashing the power of the
mighty
Black River, the town grew to be one of the
country's primary paper manufacturers. The
second oldest continuously running mill is found
here,
Knowlton Specialty Papers. The pioneering
spirit and Yankee ingenuity of Watertown
residents continues to this day. Situated
seventy miles north of
Syracuse and thirty miles south of
Canada, Watertown is the seat of
Jefferson County. The county's largest city,
it is the commercial and cultural hub for the
region. The
Jefferson Community College calls the city
home, offering the county the finest in higher
education. Census 2000 numbered Watertown's
population at 26,075.
Lake Ontario sparkles at Jefferson County's
western edge, supplying Watertown residents with
year-round outdoor fun. Boating, diving and
fishing opportunities abound, on both the lake
and Black River, where whitewater flows. The
immense
Great Lake dynamically affects Watertown's
climate. The warm waters lend humidity to the
winter air masses crossing from the west, and
huge snowfalls can descend on the city. The
yearly snow total is 100 inches, but as much as
200 have been reported. Snowmobiles and sleds
adorn the area then, and ice fishermen delight
in the hard-frozen lake. Lake Ontario also keeps
summer temperatures moderate, rarely reaching
over 80 degrees.
Watertown, New York remains a lovely city,
with many splendid 19th century homes and
buildings. The
Downtown District created a 21-stop
walking tour showcasing the best of the
grand and ornate architecture. Many unique
boutiques and
shops are found here, and plenty of
dining opportunities. Watertown is home to
two fine museums, the Jefferson County
Historical Society, where historians may study
the archives of this colorful region, and the
Sci Tech Center, containing a plethora of
interactive displays. In nearby historic
Ogdensburg, the
Frederick Remington Art Museum is housed,
and the
Sackets Harbor Battlefield Site is a short
drive. The
Greater Watertown Area offers a number of
fine
attractions.
Watertown residents can find all they need
within their city. For those craving the lights
of a brighter city,
Ontario and Syracuse are each under an
hour's drive on Interstate 81. Watertown,
New York is surrounded by phenomenal
scenery, boasts a low crime rate and cost of
living, and a close proximity to major
metropolises. |