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flag  History of Wilna, New York, USA

Journey back in time to Wilna, New York, USA

(Carthage)

Explore Wilna, New York, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Wilna, New York, USA - Wilna, New York, USA - Island Paper Co. Mill

The town was first settled around 1798 at the location of the future Carthage village. The town of Wilna was officially established in 1813 from part of the town of Le Ray and part of the Lewis County town of Leyden.

The origin of the name of the town is obscure, although it is alleged to be named after the German spelling of Vilnius, in commemoration of the French occupation of Vilnius, Lithuania in 1812.

The northern half of the town's area is within the Fort Drum Military Reservation.



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Wilna Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Wilna, New York, USA - Island Paper Co. Mill
Wilna, New York, USA

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Island Paper Co. Mill
Wilna, New York, USA - State Street
Wilna, New York, USA

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State Street
Wilna, New York, USA - Public School
Wilna, New York, USA

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Public School

Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to WILNA

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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!

Discover Wilna: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1898 - Wilna
Previous to 1813 the territory now comprising Wilna formed a part of the older towns of Le Ray and Leyden, and it also formed a part of the vast tracts, amounting almost to principalities, known, respectively, as great lot No. 4 of the Macomb purchase and the Chassanis tract. The line separating these tracts crosses the town east and west, south of the central portion. In the year mentioned, on April 2, the legislature passed an act defining with accuracy the boundary lines between counties in the state, and by this act Jefferson county acquired a considerable body of land formerly a part of Lewis county, which was created a separate civil division of the former and named Wilna, but why so named neither record or tradition furnishes any reliable in formation. However, it has been said that the name was derived from and applied in allusion to Wilna, in Russia.

In area Wilna includes 47,483 acres of land, well adapted to general agricultural pursuits. The surface is gently undulating ... Read MORE...

1931 - Eight Killed in Two Auto Mishaps
Carthage, N. Y., April 27 (AP). - St. Regis Canal, at "Skinny" Bridge three miles west of here, was being drained today in an effort to recover the bodies of four men, who lost their lives in one of two automobile accidents fatal to eight persons in this vicinity over the week-end.

The body of James Kenyon, 40, of Watertown, was recovered yesterday. The automobile in which were Kenyon, Charles Young, 47, and William Brown, 40, of Watertown, and two unidentified men, crashed through the guard rails of the narrow bridge Saturday night and dropped into 30 feet of water.

Edgar Adrian of Deferiet, N.Y., told authorities he was following the Kenyon automobile and it was zig-zagging on the highway before it crashed through the bridge guard-rails.

Three young people, returning home in a rumble seat of a roadster, from a dance, were killed almost instantly and the driver, Floyd Reuroth, 19, of Deer River, N. Y., was injured seriously in an accident on the Carthage-Natural Bridge... Read MORE...

Here's a list of the best places to go and things to do in and around Wilna:
Thousand Islands:

Start your adventure with a scenic boat tour of the Thousand Islands. The archipelago of 1,864 islands in the Saint Lawrence River offers breathtaking views and a rich history. Several tour operators in the area provide guided tours, sharing stories about the islands and their famous residents.

Boldt Castle:

Visit Boldt Castle, a magnificent mansion on Heart Island. Built at the turn of the 20th century, this castle was intended to be a tribute to love. Explore the beautifully landscaped grounds and the tragic love story behind the castle's construction.

Clayton Opera House:

Check out a performance at the Clayton Opera House, a historic venue dating back to 1903. The opera house hosts a variety of events, including concerts, plays, and community gatherings. It's a great way to experience the local arts scene.

Antique Boat Museum:

If you have an interest in maritime history, don't miss the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. It features an outstanding ... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Wilna Ancestry

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

We currently have information about 6 ancestors who were born or died in Wilna.

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Ancestors Who Were Married in Wilna, New York, USA

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

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Updated: 9/30/2023 10:35:46 AM