Watertown

Watertown is a city in and the county seat of Jefferson County, New York, United States. It is located along the Black River, about 5 miles (8 km) east of where it flows into Lake Ontario. As of the 2020 United States Census, the city has 24,685 residents. The Public Square Historic District was built in 1805 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1984. Watertown is located 13 miles (21 kilometers) southwest of the U.S. Army base at Fort Drum; it is the service and shopping destination for personnel there and their families. The city serves as the commercial and financial center for a large rural area. Located 30 miles (48 km) from the Canadian border, shopping by Canadian visitors is important to Watertown's economy. The area was first surveyed in 1796 by Benjamin Wright, who was employed by Macomb to survey the northern and central portions of New York State. In 1798, pioneers Hart Massey, Henry Coffeen, and Zachariah Butterfield built cabins in what is now the Public Square area as part of a large migration into New York from New England after the Revolutionary War. By 1850, mills manufacturing different products, powered by the Black river, were being built throughout Watertown. By the early 20th century the city was said to have more millionaires per capita than any other city in the nation. In the mid 1960s, Chicago attracted many of the younger residents from the area along with their businesses, leading to the demolition of many historic buildings.

History

Watertown is the primary city name, but also Glen Park are acceptable city names or spellings, Wtown on the other hand no longer accepted or obsolete and are no longer used as a designation. Watertown got its name from straddling the Black River. By 1850, mills manufacturing different products, powered by the Black river, were being built throughout Watertown. The Paddock Arcade, built in 1850 according to European and US models, is the oldest continuously operating enclosed mall in the United States. The area has been designated as a historic district, listed on the NRHP. Watertown was incorporated as a village in 1816. In 1869, it reincorporated as a city. In the late 1940s Watertown saw an influx in population from Irish migration into the area during the famine. During the Civil War, the 35th New York Infantry Regiment began in Water Town. The city's early public works projects, such as the water works works system and illuminating gas system in 1853, and a telephone system in. 1879, claim that Woolworth native Frank Wileman conceived the idea of his eponymous chain while working here in 1878. It was the predecessor to George P. Davis Sewing Machine Company, which originated in Watertown, which was founded in 1879. The drops in the Black at Watertown's location40 feet (12 m) in the center of town, and 120 feet (37 m) over 2.5 miles (4.0 km)provided abundant water power for early industry. It is unknown which settler chose it, but it is commonly believed to have been a consensus choice in order to attract mills. In 1798, pioneers Hart Massey, Henry Coffeen, and Zachariah Butterfield built cabins in what is now the Public Square area as part of a large migration into New England after the Revolutionary War.

Geography

Watertown is around 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Syracuse. The Black River, flowing westward through the city toward Lake Ontario, is a world-renowned kayaking destination. The city has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and an atypical autumn maximum precipitation regime. Watertown is located in plant hardiness zone 4b, which means that the temperature is likely to drop below 20 °F (29 °C) at least once a year. It receives much lake-effect snow, averaging 116.4 inches (296 cm) of snowfall in the winter, and 44.36 inches (1,127 mm) of rain per year. The population of Watertown in the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 American Community Survey was 1,827,788. It is 328 miles (530 kilometers) north of New York City, and 9.3 square miles (24 km²) of land and 0.3 sq miles (0.78 km²), or 3.45 percent, of the city's total area, is water. It has an average temperature of 90 °C (32 °F) or above on average on only 3.1 days annually, and record temperatures range from 39 °F to 99 °F. The town is located on the eastern edge of Lake Ontario and is located near the Thousand Islands, 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of the. Thousand Islands and 328 miles northwest of the New York-New York City border.

Demographics

As of the 2010 US Census, there were 27,023 people living in the city. There were 12,450 housing units at an average density of 1,389.9/sq mi (536.6/km²) The racial makeup of the city was 89.13 percent White, 4.95 percent Black or African American, 1.16 percent Asian, 0.11 percent Pacific Islander, and 2.45 percent from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.59 percent of the population. In 2009, the population was estimated at 27,489, with 49.5 percent of residents being female and 50.5% being male. The median income for a household in theCity was $28,429, and the median income. for a family was $36,115. The per capita income for the city is $16,354. About 14.4 percent of families and 19.3 percent of. the population were below the poverty line, including 25.2 percent of those under age 18 and 11.8 percent ofThose aged 65 or over. As of the 2020 US Census, there were 24,685 people with 7.9 percent under the age of 5, 23.7 percent from 18 to 24, 29.6 percent from 25 to 44, 18.5percent from 45 to 64, and 15.5 per cent who were 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.32 and the average family size was 2.99.

Economy

The city contains Factory Square, 80 acres (32 hectares) of factories that were once powered by the Black River. Immediately adjacent to the factories and river was a prominent saloon district, which became a common location for scams. In fall 2019, the city began a revitalization program for Sewall's Island and Factory Square in hopes of attracting new investments, businesses, and identifying transformational projects in the area. The city was awarded a Strategic Planning and Feasibility Studies grant from the New York Department of State to pay for the plan. In the 1880s and 1890s, many new factories were established, which began an economic boom. In 1900 3,760 workers were employed in the factories. After Fort Drum was established, Watertown's industry shifted from industrial to consumer products. Because the city is located 30 miles (48 km) from the CanadaUnited States border via the Thousand Islands Bridge, shopping by Canadian visitors is an important part of the local economy. During the 2020 US Census the median price for owner-occupied housing units was $133,400, with the median income for a household being $40,253. After the 1980s, unemployment in the region was up 20 percent, and property values rapidly decreased. In 2000, the unemployment rate was 10%. In the 1990s, it was 9%. In 2000 it was 8%. In 2010, the Unemployment rate was 7%. In 2011, the jobless rate was 6%. In 2012, the employment rate was 5%.

Arts and culture

Watertown contains a number of historic buildings and districts. Buildings on the NRHP include the Paddock Mansion, the Masonic Temple, and the Emerson Place. The Jefferson County Courthouse Complex is an example of the substantial architecture of the city. The area also has a large Amish population. The Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library was built in 1904 as a memorial to Flower by his daughter, Emma Flower Taylor. The Watertown Public Square Historic District is a 16-acre (6.5-hectare) public square. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 7, 1984. It is one of the largest public squares in the United States, with more than 1,000 acres of land. The Public Square is also home to the Watertown Museum of Art, which dates back to the 18th century. The museum is located on the corner of Main Street and Main Street, and is open to the public every day. It has a collection of more than 2,000 pieces of art, many of which have been donated to the city by the local community. The Museum's collection includes works by famous artists such as William Faulkner, George Gershwin, and others. It also includes a large collection of photographs of Watertown, including some of the town's most famous landmarks, such as the Town Hall and the Public Square Gallery. The Town Hall is home to a public square that was once the site of the Water Town Public Square. The town's Public Square was once a public park, but has been converted into a private park.

Sports

The Duffy Fairgrounds is home to the Watertown Red & Black of the Empire Football League. The Watertown Rapids of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League have played here starting in 2017. Watertown Wolves have played at the municipal arena at the fairgrounds since 2012. They are a member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League and have won three titles, in 2015, 2018, and 2022. The Red and Black are the oldest active semipro football team in the United States, founded in 1896. The fairgrounds first hosted a minor league baseball team in 1888. It has also hosted several professional teams, including the Boston Bees (1936), Pittsburgh Pirates (1983- 1988) and Cleveland Indians (1989-1998). It is also the home of the New York-Penn League's Watertown Indians, who were an affiliate of Boston Bees and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1989-1998. It was also the site of the National Football League's New York Generals, who played there from 1974-1978. It also hosted the World Series-winning New York Yankees in 1988. The Fairgrounds are home to a number of minor league sports teams, as well as the New Jersey Generals and New York Rangers. The New Jersey Devils are a New Jersey-based minor league hockey team that plays at the Fairgrounds. They play in the N.J. Hockey League, which is a division of the American Hockey League. They have played there since the early 1990s. They also played in the National Basketball League, where they have played since the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Parks and Recreation

Thompson Park is about 450 acres (180 hectares) of park designed by John Charles Olmsted. The park was gifted to the city in 1916. Zoo New York began in 1920 when the Northern New York Trust Company donated two whitetail deer to Thompson Park and the City of Watertown. Cross-country ski trails are also located inside the park. The Watertown Golf Club is also located in the park, as is a half-acre (2,000 m2) of children's playground and a stone pavilion building with benches. It was designed by Olmstead in the early 1900s and is located on the banks of the East River in Watertown, New York. It is one of the oldest public parks in the United States, along with New York City's Central Park and Central Park in New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. It has been open to the public since 1916 and was built in the late 1800s. It also contains tennis courts, an outdoor skating area, and a small golf course. The city also has a zoo, which was founded in 1920 and is still open to visitors today. The zoo is located in an area of the park that was previously used as a parking lot for the city's public transit system, the New York and New Jersey Turnpike, and the Newburgh River. It contains a large number of animals, including a pair of white-tailed deer that were donated to the park in 1920 by a New York company.

Government

The city's government was created after the village's incorporation in 1816. The act of incorporation provided for the election of five trustees, one for each ward. In 1852, the boundaries of the village were extended and two wards added, making seven total. The officers consisted of a President, three Assessors, a Clerk, a Treasurer, a Collector and two police constables. Watertown is served by the Watertown Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. The city is home to the National Museum of American History, which was founded in 1851. The museum is located on the former site of Watertown's first post office, which opened in 1805. The current museum is on the site of the former Watertown Post Office, which closed in the early 20th century. It is now home to a collection of historic buildings, including the original Watertown Town Hall, which dates back to the 17th century, as well as a number of other historic buildings. The town is also home to Watertown High School, where students were educated from 16 to 25 years old. The high school is located in the town's historic district, which is now called Watertown Village. The village is also known as Watertown because it was the first place in the United States to have a high school. It was also the first town in the U.S. to have its own fire department, which began operating in 1815. The first village election was held, at which Timothy Burr was chosen President. Sixteen years later, the village trustees were empowered by an act of the Legislature to borrow up to $2,000 ($54,000 in modern dollars) to improve the fire department.

Education

Watertown is served by the Watertown City School District. Jefferson Community College (JCC) is the only institution of higher education within a 50-mile (80 km) radius. The Catholic and secular educational institutions are Immaculate Heart Central Elementary, Intermediate, and Junior and Senior High Schools. There is also a Faith Fellowship Christian School. The city is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) and is located in the Finger Lakes region of the New York City metropolitan area. It is located on the East River, which runs through the city. It has a population of 1.2 million. It was the site of the World War II Battle of the Bulge, which took place in World War I. The U.S. Army is based in Watertown and has a base at the nearby Watertown Army Ammunition Plant, which was built in the early 1900s. It also has a military base at Watertown Air Force Base, which dates back to the early 20th century. Watertown is also home to the National Guard, which is based at the base and has been present since the Second World War. The town is home to a number of non-profit organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Institute of Mental Health. The Watertown Police Department has a presence in the city, and is responsible for the protection of the city's parks and open space. The mayor of Watertown, New York, is a former mayor of the town and served as mayor from 1987 to 1991.

Air Quality, Water Quality, Superfund Sites & UV Index

The Air Quality index is in Watertown, Jefferson County, New York = 38.5. These Air Quality index is based on annual reports from the EPA. Higher values are better (100=best). The number of ozone alert days is used as an indicator of air quality, as are the amounts of seven pollutants including particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and volatile organic chemicals. The Water Quality Index is 64. A measure of the quality of an area’s water supply as rated by the EPA. Higher values are better (100=best). The EPA has a complex method of measuring the watershed quality, using 15 indicators such as pollutants, turbidity, sediments, and toxic discharges. The Superfund Sites Index is 91. Higher is better (100=best). Based upon the number and impact of EPA Superfund pollution sites in the county, including spending on the cleanup efforts. The UV Index in Watertown = 3.3 and is a measure of an area's exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. This is most often a combination of sunny weather, altitude, and latitude. The UV Index has been defined by the WHO (www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-ultraviolet-(uv)-index) and is uniform worldwide.

Employed

The most recent city population of 24,685 individuals with a median age of 34.2 age the population grows by 3.33% in Watertown, Jefferson County, New York population since 2000 and are distributed over a density of 2,733.06 residents per square mile of area (1,055.21/km²). There are average 2.25 people per household in the 11,727 households with an average household income of $34,191 a year. The unemployment rate in Alabama is 8.40% of the available work force and has dropped -0.62% over the most recent 12-month period and the projected change in job supply over the next decade based on migration patterns, economic growth, and other factors will increase by 30.36%. The number of physicians in Watertown per 100,000 population = 185.9.

Weather

The annual rainfall in Watertown = 40.5 inches and the annual snowfall = 105.9 inches. The annual number of days with measurable precipitation (over .01 inch) = 155. The average number of days per year that are predominantly sunny = 162. 80 degrees Fahrenheit is the average daily high temperature for the month of July and 10.1 degrees Fahrenheit is the average daily low temperature for the month of January. The Comfort Index (higher=better) is 59, where higher values mean a more pleasant climate. The Comfort Index measure recognizes that humidity by itself isn't the problem. (Have you noticed nobody ever complains about the weather being 'cold and humid?) It's in the summertime that we notice the humidity the most, when it's hot and muggy. Our Comfort Index uses a combination of afternoon summer temperature and humidity to closely predict the effect that the humidity will have on people.

Median Home Cost

The percentage of housing units in Watertown, Jefferson County, New York which are owned by the occupant = 38.07%. A housing unit is a house, apartment, mobile home, or room occupied as separate living quarters. The average age of homes = 65 years with median home cost = $127,310 and home appreciation of 1.18%. This is the value of the years most recent home sales data. Its important to note that this is not the average (or arithmetic mean). The median home price is the middle value when you arrange all the sales prices of homes from lowest to highest. This is a better indicator than the average, because the median is not changed as much by a few unusually high or low values. The property tax rate of $21.77 shown here is the rate per $1,000 of home value. If for simplification for example the tax rate is $14.00 and the home value is $250,000, the property tax would be $14.00 x ($250,000/1000), or $3500. This is the 'effective' tax rate.

Study

The local school district spends $6,927 per student. There are 16.2 students for each teacher in the school, 360 students for each Librarian and 669 students for each Counselor. 11.07% of the area’s population over the age of 25 with an Associate Degree or other 2-year college degree, 10.05% with a master’s degree, Ph.D. or other advanced college degree and 7.41% with high school diplomas or high school equivalency degrees (GEDs).