Have you ever wondered how Potsdam New York got its name? In this post, find out whether this town was named after the European city with the same name, and more.
How did Potsdam New York get its name?
There are two conflicting stories about the origin of Potsdam’s name. The town was either directly named after Potsdam, Germany, or it was named Potsdam because of its red sandstone rock deposits that are similar to those of the European city of that name.
As one story goes, the name Potsdam was chosen in the year 1787 at a board meeting. It was during this same meeting that names were chosen for nine other towns in what was later to become St. Lawrence County.
Other towns that got their name during this meeting included the towns of Madrid and Lisbon, both towns located in the general Potsdam area. The map below was published in 1802, four years before Potsdam was officially founded.
You will note on the map that there are ten relatively similarly-sized squares that have been named Potsdam, Madrid, Oswegatchie, Lisbon, and others. However, the map does not indicate that there are actually any towns, cities, or settlements in those places.
It should be noted that the map above does not include any Native American settlements or towns, which is a major omission. There were certainly many villages inhabited by the indigenous peoples of New York when this map was published.
While the explanation about the name Potsdam makes sense, there are many other towns in New York named after cities around the world, including Poland , NY and Mexico, NY, and each have a unique story behind their name.
It is certainly possible that the town of Potsdam was named because of the now-famous sandstone deposits found there, but more likely the sandstone deposits are named after Potsdam, which was named after the bigger city in Germany.
Where is Potsdam, NY?
Potsdam, New York is located off of US Route 11 in St. Lawrence County, New York, about 1 hour and 30 minutes northeast of Watertown. It is accessible from Interstate I-81 via Exit 49 towards Theresa/LaFargeville or NY-56 via State Route 3 from Tupper Lake.
This town is only about 40 minutes from two different Canadian border crossing stations, as it is located in New York’s northernmost region. This means that it is only a couple of hours away from both Montreal and Ottawa, Canada’s capital.
What is Potsdam NY famous for?
Potsdam, New York is best known for its SUNY Potsdam campus, the northernmost location of the State University of New York. This school is among the top fifty oldest colleges in the United States, and is home to the renowned Crane School of music.
Potsdam is also home to Clarkson University, and more than 15,000 residents of the surrounding town. There is a lot to do in Potsdam, including many small cafes and shops in the quaint downtown area, and lots of hiking, camping, and fishing in the St. Lawrence River and Adirondacks, which are only a short drive away.
Another notable fact about Potsdam is that it is located St. Lawrence County, which is New York’s largest county by geographic area. Potsdam is the county’s most populated town, even without the 8,000 students who live there during the school year.
Conclusion
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