History of Wilna, New York, USA

Wilna, a post-township of Jefferson co., New York, about 160 miles N. W. from Albany. It is drained by Black River and contains the village of Carthage. Pop., 2993.

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 ...

Wilna, a village and township (town) of Jefferson CO., N.Y. The post-office is Carthage. Pop. of the town in 1900 (including Carthage), 5172.

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...

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 ...