The History of Forestport
From settlement to modern day, Forestport has a storied and interesting history. From tumultuous tourism periods to growing and dying industries, this classic Adirondack town has enough history to keep anyone interested! If you would like a more in-depth look at the region’s history, visit our free local library, Woodgate Free Library.
You can also download our extended historical document, a PDF that more closely examines the history of the region, its industries, tourism, and important figures in various eras.

1825
Erie Canal System Completed

1836
Black River Canal System Constructed

1840
Irish Settlement Developed

1869
Forestport Becomes a Township

1870
First Town Governmental Body Elected

1880
Lumber, Farming, and Tourism Booms

1887
Rich and Famous Visit and Settle

1889
Dam Built to Form Kayuta Lake

1890
Waterways Used for Commerce

1891
Fire Destroys Village

1894
Area Described as Tourist Paradise

1897
First Library Built

1898
Dam Breached

1899
Fire Destroys Village a Second TIme
1900
10 Area Schools Developed

1902
Forests Stripped, Lumber Industry Slows
1903
Town Changes to Village Form of Government

1904
Hydro – Electric Plant built on Black RIver
1905
Hydro Plant Sold to Town of Inlet
1906
Fire Destroys Village a Third TIme

1913
Building of Railway Spurs Commerce and Tourism
1915
Diminished Logging Firms Use Rails to Ship Timber
1920
Logging Teams Replaced by Motorized Tractors

1921
Exodus of Lumbering and Farming Industries
1922
Black River Feeder Canal Abandoned

1923
Auto Replaces Livery Teams for Railroad Tourists
1923
Village of Forestport Purchases Power From Inlet

1925
Development Towards North Lake
1926
Village Tax Base Erodes
1929
Erie Canal Closes
1929
The Great Depression
1935
Only 135 Voters in Town
1936
Unpaid Electric Bills Cause Village to Bankrupt
1937
Village of Forestport Unincorporated – Becomes Hamlet
1941
World War II Brings Work for Residents Out of Area
1942
Gas Rationing Slows Tourism to Area
1943
First Woodsmen Field Days Held in Town

1944
Otter Lake Becomes Resort Area
1945
Logs Floated on Adirondack Waterways for Last Time
1949
Area Around Kayuta Lake Developed

1950
Restoration Starts Again – Local Businessmen Attempt to Draw Business to the Area
1951
New Fishing Tackle Business Developed
1969
New Elementary School Built on Route 28
1970
Forestport’s Centennial is Celebrated
1977
General Store Opened on O’Brien Road – Forest Food Stop
1980
U.S Census Shows 1,552 Permanent Residents in Hamlet
1998
Adirondack Railway Restores Rail Service Through Township From Utica to Old Forge
2005