History of Ogdensburg

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Ogdensburg is rooted in the mid-18th century. The first permanent European settlement in this territory was founded in 1749 by Abbé François Picquet. Initially, it was a fort and mission named La Présentation, situated in a strategically important location at the confluence of rivers.

The city received its modern name later, in honour of the American landowner and developer Samuel Ogden. He acquired these lands at the end of the 18th century and began actively developing infrastructure, transforming the former military post into a thriving civilian settlement within the USA.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of the small settlement into an important regional centre was driven by several factors:

• Geographical location: The city is located on the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River, which opened direct access to the Great Lakes and the Atlantic.
• Transport hub: The presence of a natural deep-water harbour made the city an ideal place for shipping and trade.
• Resource base: The surrounding forests and the water energy of the Oswegatchie River contributed to the development of early industry.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 19th century, Ogdensburg quickly transformed into a bustling trade port. The city's economy relied on logging, flour milling, and logistics. Being a border city, it became an important point for the exchange of goods and cultural traditions between neighbouring regions.

The architectural appearance and social life of the early period were shaped by the influence of wealthy merchants and industrialists who built their residences here, laying the foundation for the city's future prosperity.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1749: French Abbé François Picquet founds the mission and fort of La Présentation at the confluence of the rivers, laying the foundation for the future settlement.
• 1760: During the French and Indian War, British troops capture the fort following the Battle of the Thousand Islands.
• 1796: The British garrison leaves the territory in accordance with the Jay Treaty, and the lands pass under the control of the USA.
• 1802: Entrepreneur Samuel Ogden begins active development and construction on the acquired lands, giving the settlement the name Ogdensburg.
• 1813: During the War of 1812, the city was temporarily captured by British forces crossing the ice of the frozen river.
• 1817: The settlement officially receives village status, forming the first bodies of local self-government.
• 1850: The completion of the Northern Railroad turns the port into a vital logistics hub connecting the Great Lakes with Boston.
• 1868: Thanks to the rapid growth of trade and industry, Ogdensburg receives official city status.
• 1923: The Frederic Remington Art Museum opens, becoming a repository for a unique collection of Wild West art.
• 1960: The grand opening of the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge takes place, connecting the city with the Canadian shore.
• 1983: The historic city centre is included in the National Register of Historic Places, confirming its architectural significance.

Dynamics of Development and Transformation

The story of the transformation of the city of Ogdensburg from a military outpost into a modern settlement is inextricably linked to changes in logistics and the economy. Key stages that defined the modern appearance and status of the city include:

• Development of the trade port (early 19th century). Utilising its strategic position on the St. Lawrence River allowed the city to become the main "gateway" for goods arriving from the Atlantic, which laid the financial foundation for future growth.
• Launch of the Northern Railroad (1850). Connecting the port to the railway network leading to Boston and Lake Champlain turned the city into the region's largest transport hub. This event gave a powerful impetus to the grain and timber trade in the northern USA.
• Obtaining City status (1868). The official administrative transformation from a village to a City marked the maturity of the municipal system. This allowed for the creation of its own security services, fire protection, and water supply system, improving the quality of life for citizens.
• Industrialisation (turn of the 19th–20th centuries). The emergence of large industries, including paper mills and shipyards, contributed to an influx of population and the formation of a stable working class, which changed the social structure of society.
• Founding of the Frederic Remington Museum (1923). Converting a private collection and estate into a public museum created a unique cultural brand. This event secured the city's status as an important centre of the arts, attracting admirers of Wild West creativity.
• Construction of the Ogdensburg-Prescott Bridge (1960). The opening of a fixed crossing to replace the ferry radically improved the connection with Canada. The bridge became a driver for international trade and simplified tourism exchange between the countries.
• Preservation of architectural heritage (late 20th century). Including the historic centre and the Fort La Présentation area in national registers reoriented the economy towards tourism, allowing the unique appearance of ancient buildings to be preserved for future generations.

Urban Planning Features and the "Stone City"

The architectural appearance of the city of Ogdensburg is unique for upstate New York. The urban structure developed from the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River inland, following the classic grid layout characteristic of American cities of that time. A distinctive feature of Ogdensburg is the extensive use of grey limestone quarried locally. Thanks to this material, the historic centre acquired monumentality and restrained nobility, securing the unofficial nickname "The Stone City".

Architectural Styles and Eras

The city's buildings vividly reflect the economic ups and downs and cultural transformations of various periods in the history of the USA. In the appearance of the streets, one can trace a clear evolution of architectural fashion of the 19th and early 20th centuries:

• Federal Style and Greek Revival (early — mid-19th century). The oldest surviving buildings belong to this period. They are characterised by strict symmetry, concise forms, columns, and the use of roughly hewn stone. This style symbolised the reliability and democratic ideals of the young republic.
• Victorian Eclecticism (second half of the 19th century). With the development of railways and the growth of merchant wealth, architecture became more decorative. Mansions in the Italianate and Queen Anne styles appeared in residential quarters, distinguished by turrets, wide verandas, and complex cornice decor.
• Romanesque Revival and Beaux-Arts (turn of the 19th–20th centuries). The heyday of civil construction gifted the city with majestic public buildings. This stage is characterised by a gravitation towards monumentality, arched windows, and classical proportions typical of the "Gilded Age".

Iconic Structures

The historic core of the city has preserved a number of architectural monuments that form its recognisable silhouette and attract tourists:

• Frederic Remington Art Museum (Parish Mansion). Originally erected in 1810 as a private residence in the Federal style, the house underwent several renovations that added elements of the Victorian era, yet it retained its aristocratic grandeur.
• U.S. Custom House. Built in 1909, this building is a benchmark example of the Beaux-Arts style. Its imposing appearance emphasised the city's status as a crucial international port on the border.
• Public Library and City Hall. These buildings, constructed from local stone, combine elements of Classicism and Romanesque Revival, serving as architectural dominants of the central streets.

Famous Residents and Historical Figures

The rich history of the city of Ogdensburg is inextricably linked with the names of pioneers, politicians, and artists who made a significant contribution to the development of not only the region but the entire country. Here is a list of key persons who left their mark on the city's chronicles:

• Abbé François Picquet (1708–1781)
  Founder and Missionary
  A French priest who founded Fort La Présentation in 1749. It was he who chose the strategically important location at the confluence of rivers to create the first European settlement, which became the predecessor of the modern city.
• Samuel Ogden (1746–1810)
  Entrepreneur and Landowner
  An American businessman who purchased vast territories after the withdrawal of British troops. Although he did not live here permanently, it was his energy and investments that gave impetus to the development of the settlement, which was subsequently named in his honour.
• David Parish (1778–1826)
  Financier and Patron
  A European banker who moved to the USA and made Ogdensburg the centre of his trading empire. He built brick warehouses, wharves, and a luxurious mansion, which today houses the famous art museum.
• Preston King (1806–1865)
  Statesman
  A prominent politician and senator who lived in Ogdensburg. He was known for his progressive views and active struggle against the expansion of slavery in the mid-19th century, playing an important role in national politics of that time.
• Newton Martin Curtis (1835–1910)
  Military Commander and Politician
  A Union Army general during the Civil War, awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the capture of Fort Fisher. After the war, he successfully engaged in politics and public activities, representing the region's interests in Congress.
• Frederic Remington (1861–1909)
  Painter, Sculptor, and Writer
  One of the most famous American masters who celebrated the romance of the Wild West. Although he was born in a neighbouring town, Ogdensburg became home to his family and the place where the most complete collection of his paintings and bronze sculptures is kept.