Canton was settled by Vermonters in the early 1800s. The names for this town and nine others in the county were chosen from the world atlas in the hope that familiar names would help the land sell more easily. In 1861 Frederic Remington, sculptor and painter of the American West, was born in Canton, where his father was editor of the newspaper. Canton is home to St. Lawrence University, a liberal arts institution of about 2,000 students, which was founded in 1856.
Things to do in Canton
Fort Wellington National Historic Site
Fort Wellington National Historic Site was erected to defend the St. Lawrence River route during the War of 1812. Construction of the fort was spurred on after its garrison captured two American fortifications in Ogdensburg, N.Y., just across the river. Never besieged, the fort was abandoned shortly after the war. A second Fort Wellington was built in 1838 on the ruins of the first. The fort consists of three original structures surrounded by earthworks, a palisade and a dry ditch. The stone blockhouse has walls more than a metre (39 in.) thick and is pierced with loopholes. The first and second floors have been furnished to the 1846 period. The officers' quarters and latrine also are restored. An interesting feature is the caponnière, a stone defensive work in the south moat connected to the fort by a tunnel. Special events are presented throughout the summer. Call (613) 925-2896 for more information.
Frederic Remington Art Museum
Frederic Remington Art Museum, displays bronzes, oil paintings, watercolors and pen-and-ink illustrations by Frederic Remington, known for his depictions of the American West. The artist's tools, library, personal notes and furnishings from his home are on display. In addition the museum presents traveling exhibitions that relate to the artist's style, theme and time period. Call (315) 393-2425 for more information.
303 Washington St., Ogdensburg, NY 13617
Potsdam Public Museum
Potsdam Public Museum houses the Burnap Collection of English pottery, dating 1700-1870. The collection includes Delft chargers, Wedgwood, lusterware, transfer prints and relief wares. Also displayed are American decorative glassware, furniture and changing exhibits pertaining to local history. Call (315) 265-6910 for more information.
Silas Wright House
St. Lawrence County Historical Assn. – Home of the early New York State governor. Restored to its 1830-1870 period. Changing exhibits on county history may be viewed here. Open year round Tuesday – Thursday, Saturday noon – 4pm; Friday noon – 8pm. Call 315-386-8133 for more information.
St. Lawrence County Historical Association
Based in the historic Canton home of Governor Silas Wright Jr., the nationally accredited Silas Wright House includes five period rooms with furnishings from the 1830’ s-1870. A Main Gallery with changing exhibits on local history, and a Children's Attic with hands-on history for kids, are two of the featured rooms. The Historical Association also operates an archive with numerous resources for local and family history researchers.
St. Lawrence County Museum
St. Lawrence County Museum was the home of Silas Wright Jr., U.S. senator 1833-34 and New York governor 1844-46. The exterior and first-floor interior have been restored to the period of Wright's occupation. Permanent and changing exhibits relate to St. Lawrence County history; a research library with family history archives is available. Call (315) 386-8133 for more information.
3 E. Main St., Canton, NY 13617
St. Lawrence University
The mission of St. Lawrence University is to provide an inspiring and demanding undergraduate education in the liberal arts to students selected for their seriousness of purpose and intellectual promise. The University was founded April 3, 1856, the oldest continuously coeducational institution of higher learning in New York State.
TAUNY
The Traditional Arts in Upstate New York organization, documents and presents a variety of local traditions, customs and folk art. Changing exhibits on topics such as basket making, quilting and food customs are on display in their gallery. The Folkstore features traditional regional crafts.
The Forwarders' Museum
The Forwarders' Museum, Centre and Water sts., is in the 1810 Forwarders' Building, which once housed an 1829 post office and the American consulate. The museum commemorates the forwarding (shipping) industry on the St. Lawrence River during the first half of the 19th century. Displays are rotated monthly. Call (613) 925-5788 for more information.
Centre St. & Water St., Prescott, ON 13617