Watertown

Watertown is a city straddling the Black River in Jefferson County, New York. The downtown area features five neighborhoods listed on the National Register of Historic Places, each with distinctive buildings and architectural styles from different time periods.

The settlement was founded in 1800 and grew rapidly due to the Black River's water power, which enabled numerous industries and manufacturing operations to flourish. The river remained the driving force behind economic expansion throughout the 1800s and early 1900s.

The Flower Memorial Library and Jefferson County Historical Society maintain extensive collections documenting the region's development through photographs, documents, and artifacts.

Thompson Park offers recreational activities throughout the year, including tennis courts, walking paths, playgrounds, and cross-country skiing trails. The park remains accessible in different seasons, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor pursuits based on weather and personal preference.

Eight marked walking routes guide visitors through historic neighborhoods, showcasing architectural details, vintage advertising signs painted on building walls, and local historical markers. These paths reveal layers of the city's past that visitors can discover while strolling at their own pace.

Location: Jefferson County

Inception: 1800

Elevation above the sea: 142 m

Website: http://citywatertown.org

GPS coordinates: 43.97560,-75.90640

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:20