Our Community
[Home Page]
[Library Catalog]
[Search Online Databases]
[Search the Web]
ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
Lake George, New York, the smallest town in Warren County was originally called "Caldwell" for General James Caldwell. The "Queen of American Lakes", commonly known as Lake George, extends for 32 miles into an area that is rich in history. Historically, the native Indians called the lake "Andia-ta-roc-te" (Where the Lake is Shut In), only later to have Father Issac Jogues rename the lake, "Lac du St. Sacrament". In 1646, Sir William Johnson gave the lake its present name for his King, George II of England. Today, visitors can welcome the majestic landscape while enjoying the numerous recreational accommodations the area has to offer.
Although tourists walk the area today, the Lake George region was once an important battleground, during both the French & Indian and Revolutionary wars. In 1755 English and Colonial forces with their Native American allies defeated French forces at the Battle of Lake George. In September of 1755 work started on a log-built fort, Fort William Henry.
In August 1757 French forces and their Native American allies attacked Fort William Henry. After a 10 day siege, Colonel Monro, the fort commander, surrendered. The defenders were promised safe passage to Fort Edward, 12 miles away. Native Americans, dissatisfied with their treatment by the French, attacked some of the English and Colonial troops as they attempted to make their way to Fort Edward. The French burned the fort to prevent its further use by the English. James Fenimore Cooper used this as the basis for his book The Last of the Mohicans. Today a reconstruction is open to the public. Fort George Battlefield Park, just east of Fort William Henry, is another important site. The site was fortified during the French & Indian Wars and a military hospital was located there during the Revolution. George Washington visited this encampment.
This page last modified: Wednesday March 27 2002