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Jan 1, 1000
Migrations to the Adirondacks
Paleo-Indians followed herds of caribou to the banks of the inland Champlain Sea. Yankee pioneers traveled here from hill farms of New England, immigrant Lebanese peddlers settled in the town of Tupper Lake. -
Period: Jan 1, 1000 to
Peopling the Adirondacks
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Irish Immigrants
When Irish immigrants came to the Adirondacks some became laborers at the Wheelerville tannery. Others found other work such as mining. People described these immigrants as people who lived and dressed like hogs. -
Building of the church
An Adirondack missionary priest named Father Michael Olivetti authorized the building of a church in a settlement called Irishtown which was located near the tannery town of Minerva. Many immigrants flocked to the area due to the rarity of the church. Over time a school, store, and hotel were built. -
Commercial Loggers and Miners in the Adirondacks
When they were going further into the Adirondacks Canadians started migrating south whom were later joined by German Catholic immigrants. The German Catholic immigrants founded settlements at Bleeker, Croghan, and near Lake Desolation. -
Settlement at Tirrell Pond
Tirrell Pond was located near Blue Mountain Lake. This settlement provided Irish immigrants with land, log cabins, and a log church. Two years after their arrival the area was abandoned for unknown reasons. -
Tuberculosis sanatorium at Saranac Lake
This sanatorium was built by a doctor named Edward L. Trudeau. It became an international destination for the ill. The health industry strived for 50 years at Saranac Lake until seasonal visitors who were sick of life upstate decided to move there permanately with their family and friends. -
St. Regis Mohawk Johnny Leaf
He built himself a shanty next to the West Canada Creek. This is where he tanned, logged, guided, and sold venison. Other Native Americans in the Adirondacks were miners, berry pickers, hotel laundresses, and peddlers of crafts. -
Adirondack Homesteaders
When these homesteaders moved into the Adirondacks they traveled with few items by horse and wagon. -
Adoption of the Adirondack Park
A bill establishing the Park passed the legislature,it created the Park "to be forever reserved for the free use of all the people." The bill weakened earlier protections, and allowed the Forest Commission to sell state lands anywhere in the Adirondacks. Also, the Forest Commission leased state lands within the Park to private individuals for camps and cottages. -
First motorist
The first group of motorists made way to Blue Mountain Lake. Since their arrival tourism has influenced people in the region greatly. Travelers go there for the clean air, wilderness, and views. -
Itsuzo Sumy
Itsuzo Sumy was a photographer. He was born in Japan. After coming to the United States he had lived in New York City and went to visit the Adirondacks. When arriving he loved it and decided to make the town of Chester his forever home.
