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Journey back in time to Adams, New York, USA

Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Adams, New York, USA.

ABOUT THE PLACE

About Adams

Adams, New York, USA - Adams, New York, USA - Prospect Street
Adams, Jefferson, NY

Settlement began around 1800 at Adams village. David Smith built a sawmill at the present site of Adams in 1801. Renamed for John Adams in 1802 (the year after his presidency ended), the town of Adams was created from the survey townships of Aleppo and Orpheus. The eastern part of Adams was taken in 1804 to form the town of Rodman.
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VINTAGE ADAMS

Adams Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Adams, New York, USA - Prospect Street
Adams, New York, USA
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Prospect Street
Adams, New York, USA - Railroad Street
Adams, New York, USA
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Railroad Street
Adams, New York, USA - Upper Dam, Big Sand Creek, Adams, N.Y.
Adams, New York, USA
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Upper Dam, Big Sand Creek, Adams, N.Y.
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to ADAMS

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I Love NEW YORK Mug – Pizza, Bagels & Cheesecake Ceramic Coffee Cup

Sip your way into the heart of the Big Apple with our Ceramic Mug featuring the mouthwatering trio of Pizza, Bagels, and Cheesecake! Designed for true New York food lovers, this mug is your perfect companion for savoring your favorite brews.

NEW YORK Roots & Sarcasm - Ceramic Genealogy Coffee Mug

Discover your New York heritage with a twist of humor with our "Found my roots in New York—turns out my ancestors invented sarcasm!" mug. This mug is perfect for those who appreciate the art of witty banter passed down through generations.

NEW YORK - Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug - Ceramic

Discover the charm and mystery of your roots with our "Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug." This ceramic beauty is more than just a coffee cup; it’s a conversation starter that celebrates the quirks and tales of family history in Upstate New York.

NEW YORK - Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug – Funny Upstate NY Genealogy Coffee Cup

Start your day with a laugh—and a nod to history! The Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug is perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, history buffs, and Upstate New York fans. Adorned with a witty slogan and a charming vintage design, this mug celebrates the rich and often surprising history of Upstate New York. Whether you're tracing your roots or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this mug is sure to spark conversation and bring a smile to your face.

NEW YORK Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug Gift Idea - Celebrate Your Ancestry with Every Sip!

Embrace your heritage with this New York Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug, perfect for the proud family historian. Whether you're researching your ancestors or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this ceramic mug reminds you of your deep connection to the Empire State.

ELLIS ISLAND Roots Ceramic Mug – Tribute to Ancestry and New Beginnings - Celebrating Our Immigrant Ancestors

Celebrate your family’s journey with this ceramic mug featuring vintage postcards of Ellis Island, the iconic gateway to America. Adorned with the heartfelt phrase, "Ellis Island: Where My Roots Took Their First Steps!" this mug is a tribute to the brave immigrants who paved the way for future generations. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or sharing stories of your ancestors, this mug serves as a beautiful reminder of the past and the roots that shaped your future. A perfect gift for genealogy enthusiasts or anyone proud of their heritage!
LOCAL HISTORY

Discover Adams: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Adams through the years.

1854 - Adams
Adams, a post-township of Jefferson county, New York, about 160 miles N. W. from Albany: intersected by Sandy creek, and by the railroad extending from Rome to Watertown.

Adams, a post-village of the above town ship on Sandy creek, 162 miles W. N. W. from Albany. It contains several churches, a bank, and more than 100 dwellings.
1859
ADAMS, a town in Jefferson co., New York, U.S., 162 m. NW of Albany, on Sandy creek, and the Watertown and Reine railroad. Pop. in 1840, 2,966; in 1850, 3,106.
1895 - Adams
Adams, a post-village of Jefferson co., N.Y., in Adams township, and on the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Rail road, 12 miles S.S.W. of Watertown. It has 4 churches, 2 national banks, the Hungerford Collegiate Institute, a foundry, machine-shop, planing-mill, &c. One newspaper is issued here. Pop. 1360; of the township, 3181. The township contains also a village named Adams Centre, and a part of Smithville lies within its limits.
1898 - Adams
In the month of August, 1796, the proprietors of the eleven towns divided the territory among themselves by ballot; and in that general division numbers two, seven and eleven (Watertown, Adams and Lowville) with 1,576 acres of what is now Worth, fell to Nicholas Low. During the months of April and May, previous to this division, the proprietors employed Benjamin Wright to survey the entire tract (the eleven towns, or the Black river tract) into townships, and as he proceeded with the work the worthy surveyor made notes of the character of the region through which he traveled. Of this town (which he knew only as No. 7, but which Simeon De Witt, in his survey made in 1802, called Aleppo) Mr. Wright remarked: "The town has every good quality; millseats, springs of excellent water, fine timber, maple, beech, bass, ash, butternut, birch, iron-wood, pine, oak and some chestnut, limestone, fine soil, black mould and loam in general." Commenting generally the surveyor said "It is a pretty...
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1916
Adams, a banking post-village of Jefferson co., N.Y., in Adams township (town), and on the New York Central and Hudson River R., 12 miles SSW. of Watertown. It contains the Hungerford Collegiate Institute, and is the trade-centre of an agricultural district. It has manufactures of wagons, canned goods, flour, etc. Pop. in 1900, 1292 : of the town, 3081.
Adams, New York may be a small town, but it's got its own charm and things to explore. Here's a mix of local favorites and some hidden gems:
Southwick Beach State Park:

Spend a day soaking up the sun on the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. The park offers swimming, picnicking, and hiking trails.

Adams Country Club:

If you're a golf enthusiast, tee off at the Adams Country Club. Enjoy a round of golf surrounded by picturesque landscapes.

Hamburg Natural History Museum:

Explore the natural history of the region at this local museum. It's a great place for families and those interested in the local flora and fauna.

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge:

Visit this historic covered bridge, which is one of the last of its kind in the region. It's a beautiful spot for photography.

Old McDonald's Farm:

Perfect for families, this farm offers a range of activities, including petting zoos, hayrides, and pumpkin picking in the fall.

Adams Center:

Wander through the town center, exploring small shops and local cafes. It's a great way to get a feel for the community.

Adams Historical Society:

Learn about the...
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GENEALOGY IN ADAMS

Discover YOUR Roots: Adams Ancestry

Explore ancestors connected to Adams through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.

BIRTHS & DEATHS

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Adams, New York, USA

We currently have information about 45 ancestors who were born or died in Adams.

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MARRIAGES

Ancestors Who Were Married in Adams, New York, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Adams.

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Updated: 1/8/2026 11:20:42 AM
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