Fort Ann New York

Learn about Fort Ann, a beautiful rural community whose history is full of fascinating anecdotes.

The town of Fort Ann New York lies on what is known as the war-path of the nation, and has been the scene of many war parties from early Indian raids through the Burgoyne and Carleton expeditions during the Revolution. Fort Ann was also the site of a very important Revolutionary War battle that saw the nation's new "Stars and Stripes" flown for the first time in battle. The battle, which took place on July 8, 1777, was of great strategic importance and helped America win its independence.

Fort Ann NY at the present time is mostly a farming town full of historic, well-preserved homes and old canal locks with much of their original stonework still intact.

Most of the citizens not engaged in some type of agriculture-related business seek employment outside of town. Numerous small businesses are scattered throughout the town, however, with the latest being a radio station that began operations in West Fort Ann in 1983.

Two stores, two garages, one antique shop, one bakery, two motels, one hotel and two restaurants are the retail businesses of the village. Two small manufacturing establishments in Fort Ann produce some interesting products. Haviland Manufacturing Co. produces ping pong paddles, shuffleboard equipment, wooden toys and designer banks. Jennings Manufacturing Co. manufactures electrical substations and screen printing equipment used for printing on caps and T-shirts.

The Fort Ann Central School was erected in 1939 when the district schools were consolidated. Additions to the old schoolhouse were made in 1962, 1970 and 1983 with the most recent renovation being extensive. The present enrollment is approximately 700 students.

The northern part of Fort Ann New York is a center of recreational activity. The many beautiful lakes and ponds in the area host several scout camps and other activities. Camp Little Notch on Lake Nebo, Camp Wakopominie of Sly Pond, Crossett Lake Camp and Camp Andrews on Lake George are well-known throughout the area as meccas of outdoor entertainment.

There are several civic and fraternal organizations in town including Raymond W. Harvey Post American Legion, Fort Ann Rotary Club, Mount Hope Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, Eastern Star, several scouting and 4-H troops, Home Bureau and many church

Four churches presently serve Fort Ann residents. The West Fort Ann Methodist Church, the United Protestant Church, the Cornerstone Bible Church and St. Anne's Catholic Church make up the churches in the area.

The Fort Ann area is served by the Fort Ann Rescue Squad who maintain two ambulances, and by the Fort Ann Volunteer Fire Department. There are also fire departments in West Fort Ann, Comstock and Pilot Knob, as well as a fire truck housed at South Bay Village. Together, these dedicated groups provide excellent protection to all area residents.

The village's Old Stone House Library is one of the town's landmarks. A gift of the Knapp family, land owners in the Shelving Rock area of Fort Ann, the 159-year old building now serves as a public library. Together with such historic landmarks as the Tuppers Farm Museum, the library reminds us of the proud spirit of a town that has had a fascinating history.

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