History of Ogdensburg, New York, USA

1854 - Ogdensburg
Oodensburo, a post-village and port of entry of Oswegatchie township, St. Lawrence county, New York, on the river St. Lawrence, at the mouth of the Oswegatchie, and opposite Prescott, in Canada, about 200 miles N. N. W. from Albany. The Northern rail road, of which this is the Western terminus, extends to Rouse's Point, on Lake Cbamplain, and connects it with Boston and New York. It is situated on a plain immediately N. of the Oswegatchie river, is regularly laid out, and handsomely built. The Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists, and Roman Catholics, have each one or more churches in the place. It contains three banks, an academy, several iron foundries, with machine shops, and other manufactories. Four weekly newspapers are published here. The commerce of this port is flourishing and extensive. Steamboats ply regularly to the various ports on Lake Ontario. The shipping of the district, June 30, 1852, amounted to an aggregate of 1985 tons enrolled and licensed, all of... Read MORE...

1868 - An Ogdensburg paper has the following sensational story:
Tuesday was hotter than the previous day by at least four degrees. The mercury reached about 101 degrees in the shade, and all the way from 115 to 132 degrees in the sun. The Captain of the schooner Fulton cooked an egg by placing it on the deck of his vessel, near the companionway, in the sun. The operation required twenty minutes by the watch. The deck of the vessel was painted dark lead color. At the end of the twenty minutes the white or albumen of the egg was thoroughly cooked; though the yolk continued soft.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 8, 1868

1872 - No School
The citizens of Ogdensburgh, N.Y., having refused to vote the money required for schools, the Board of Education has determined to close the public schools at the end of the present term, dispensing with the usual spring term.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 2, 1872

1878 - Ogdensburg, N. Y., supports two Boat Liveries, one of some forty boats, and the other half that number.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 10, 1878

1895 - Ogdensburg
Ogdensburg, a city and port of entry in Oswegatchie township, St. Lawrence co., N.Y., on the river St. Lawrence, at the mouth of the Oswegatchie, and opposite Prescott, Canada. Lat. 44° 41' N.; lon. 75° 31' W. By rail road, it is 61 miles W. by S. of Malone, 142 miles N. of Rome, and 250 miles N.N.W. of Albany. It is the W. terminus of the Ogdensburg & Lake Champlain Railroad, and the N. terminus of the Rome, Watertown & Ogdens burg Railroad. Ogdensburg is situated on a plain, is regularly laid out, lighted with gas and electricity, and profusely shaded. The St. Lawrence is here more than a mile in width, and is crossed by steam ferry-boats plying between this city and Prescott. The principal public buildings are the Catholic cathedral, town-hall and opera-house, and a government building, erected at a cost of about $250,000, for post-office, custom-house, and court-house. Ogdensburg contains 2 banks, several large hotels, 12 graded schools (each occupying a fine building), a free... Read MORE...

1898 - TORNADO AT OGDENSBURG. An Elevator Unroofed and 820,000 Bushels of Grain Damaged - A Railroad Damaged.
OGDENSBURG, N. Y., June 12. - A violent tornado, accompanied by rain, struck this city at 7 o'clock this evening, and did immense damage along the docks and the railroad yards. The storm approached from a northwesterly direction, and, crossing the St. Lawrence, struck the lower part of the city with tremendous force.

Its path lay through the Central Vermont yards and docks and the Ogdensburg Transit Company's docks. The Ogdensburg Transit Company's elevator was unroofed and the contents - 820,000 bushels of corn and oats - almost ruined by the heavy rain and the water which escaped from the broken fire mains in the building.

The roof was carried some distance by the gale, and in falling badly damaged the mill of the Skillings, Whitney & Barnes Lumber Company. The freight cars and tracks of the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad were badly damaged.
The New York Times
New York, New York
June 13, 1898

1906
Ogdensburg, a city and port of entry of St. Lawrence co., N.Y., on the St. Lawrence River, at the mouth of the Oswegatchie, and opposite Prescott, Ontario, 142 miles N. of Rome, on the Rutland and the New York Central and Hudson River Rs. The St. Lawrence is here more than a mile in width and is crossed by steam ferry-boats plying between this city and Prescott. The principal public buildings are the cathedral, city-hall, state armory, and government building. The prosperity of this place, now also a popular summer-resort, is chiefly derived from trade (largely in grain) and extensive manufactures of flour, lumber, silks, brass goods, boilers, leather, etc. Steamboats ply regularly between the city and various ports on the river and lakes. Pop. in 1890, 11,662; in 1900, 12,633.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1909 - Ogdensburg Hotel Burns.
OGDENSBURG, N. Y., Sept. 4. - The Erwin Hotel in this city was burned to-day, causing a loss estimated at $15,000. The guests escaped in their night clothing, saving few of their personal effects.

The fire started in a shed near the hotel.
The New York Times
New York, New York
September 5, 1909

1947 - 150 PERSONS FLEE OGDENSBURG FIRE.
Ogdensburg, Feb. 14 (AP) - One hundred and fifty persons fled to safety when a general alarm fire gutted the New Ogdensburg hotel last night, causing damage estimated unofficially at $150,000.

The Ogdensburg fire department said no one was killed or injured. All guests escaped before firemen arrived.

Firemen from Ogdensburg and six neighboring communities fought the blaze, which started about 6 p.m., for more than six hours before bringing it under control.

Ogdensburg fire officials said the fire started in the basement and spread rapidly throughout the five-story brick structure in the city's business district. Cause of the blaze was under investigation.

Fire officials said the structure, owned by HAROLD WELT, was a total loss, with only two walls still standing. They added that the loss was expected to be about $150,000, but that an official estimate had not been made.
Salamanca Republican Press
Salamanca, New York
February 14, 1947

2023 - Ogdensburg, New York has its own charm with a variety of places to explore and things to do. Here's a list to get you started:
Frederic Remington Art Museum: Start your visit by exploring the works of the renowned American artist Frederic Remington. The museum showcases his iconic Western art and sculptures, providing a glimpse into the Old West.

Ogdensburg Harbor Light: Located on Lighthouse Point, this historic lighthouse offers picturesque views of the St. Lawrence River. It's a great spot for photos and a leisurely walk.

Fort La Présentation: Explore the history of Ogdensburg at this reconstructed 18th-century French fort. It's a living history museum where you can witness reenactments, learn about the fur trade, and experience colonial life.

Black Lake: Just a short drive from Ogdensburg, Black Lake is a fantastic spot for fishing, boating, and water sports. You can rent a boat or kayak, or simply relax on the shoreline and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Ogdensburg City Library: If you're a bookworm, the Ogdensburg City Library is a great place to relax and read. It's a charming old library ... Read MORE...