Celebrate America's 250th in St. Lawrence County
On July 4, 2026, the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout St. Lawrence County, we will celebrate the journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on America’s past, and we will honor the contributions of all Americans as we look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
An Abundance of History Museums
St. Lawrence County’s museums preserve local and artistic heritage. The renowned Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg celebrates the art and life of the famed American Western artist with original paintings, bronzes, and personal artifacts. Explore agricultural and industrial history at the St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum with restored engines, tractors, and demonstrations of farm life. The North Country Children's Museum in Potsdam invites hands-on learning about history and science for all ages. Smaller cultural centers and exhibits around the county offer insights into maritime commerce, Native and colonial history, and regional traditions.
Check out the War of 1812 History Trail
The War of 1812 unfolded right here in St. Lawrence County, yet many of the stories, places, and impacts remain largely unknown. The War of 1812 Virtual Trail brings these pivotal local moments to life, revealing how events along the St. Lawrence River helped shape our young nation.
Explore these historic sites online or take a scenic drive and experience firsthand the landscapes where key moments of the War of 1812 occurred across St. Lawrence County.
Explore Historic Sites
St. Lawrence County features an impressive collection of historic sites that reflect its role in early settlement, military history, and river commerce. In Ogdensburg, the Fort de La Présentation marks the site of a French fort and mission established in 1749 at a strategic river junction. Nearby, Fort Tribute commemorates the region’s role in the War of 1812 with interpretive displays and river views. The historic corridors of the St. Lawrence Seaway further tell the story of trade, engineering, and cross-border influence that shaped the North Country. Visit the Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock for interactive exhibits and live ship watching.
Historic Places on the National Register
St. Lawrence County boasts numerous historic properties and districts recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Architectural gems include Richardson Hall at St. Lawrence University, a mid-19th-century academic building, and Trinity Episcopal Church, an impressive Gothic Revival landmark. Other listed sites include the Bayside Cemetery and Gatehouse Complex with Victorian-era memorial architecture and historic town complexes like the Pierrepont Town Buildings reflecting Dutch-era civic history.
Unique Overnight Experiences
For travelers wanting history with hospitality, St. Lawrence County delivers unforgettable overnight experiences. Stay amidst romance and mystery at Singer Castle on Dark Island, where guests can sleep in the Royal Suite of this fully furnished early 20th-century castle overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Enjoy period charm and distinctive spooky character at Claire House, a historic and haunted bed-and-breakfast nestled in Ogdensburg’s downtown. The Sherman Inn offers classic accommodations in a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of Ogdensburg’s historic district.