Essex County, located in the northeastern corner of New York state, is a vast and scenic region that blends rich natural assets, deep historical roots, and a small-town, rural character. Bordered by Vermont (across Lake Champlain) to the east and set within the heart of the Adirondack Park. It is the second-largest county in the state by land area. Essex County, named after Essex in England, was created in 1799 when it split off from neighboring Clinton County. Today, locals and tourists enjoy its mountains, forests, lakes, and famous attractions, including Lake Placid, Fort Ticonderoga, and the Ausable River.
Lake Placid is one of only a handful of locations in the world to have twice hosted an Olympics – in 1932 and 1980. One only has to mention the “Miracle on Ice” to be reminded of Lake Placid’s place in U.S. history when the men’s ice hockey team famously defeated the heavily favored Soviet team. The area remains a center of winter sports where some of the 1980 infrastructure remains as a legacy to the games and a destination for sports enthusiasts year-round.
Essex County is also a destination for anyone interested in military history. Fort Ticonderoga, located on the western shore of Lake Champlain, is one of the most historically significant military sites in the United States. The French built the fort, originally named Fort Carillon. between 1755–1757 to control the strategic waterway between Lake Champlain and Lake George, a key route between New France (Canada) and the British colonies. Today’s visitors to the area are treated to a mix of history, museum displays, live reenactments, and vistas across the lake.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Essex County, make it a point to do so soon!
