Cities and Towns in Essex County, New York

Founded in 1799, Essex County is one of 62 counties in the state of New York. Historically, Essex County was formed from Clinton County. The city of Elizabethtown is the county seat. With FIPS code of 31, Essex County has a population of 37,268 and area of 1,916 square miles (4,962 km²).

List of all cities in Essex County, NY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bloomingdale, NY	12913	518
Blue Ridge, NY	12870	518
Chilson, NY	12883	518
Crown Point, NY	12928	518
Eagle Lake, NY	12883	518
Elizabethtown, NY	12932	518
Essex, NY	12936	518
Factoryville, NY	12928	518
Grover Hills, NY	12956	518
Ironville, NY	12928	518
Jay, NY	12941	518
Keene, NY	12942	518
Keene Valley, NY	12943	518
Lake Placid, NY	12946	518
Lewis, NY	12950	518
Minerva, NY	12851	518
Mineville, NY	12956	518
Moriah, NY	12960	518
Moriah Center, NY	12961	518
Moriah Corners, NY	12960	518
New Russia, NY	12964	518
Newcomb, NY	12852	518
Newcomb, NY	12879	518
North Hudson, NY	12855	518
Olmstedville, NY	12857	518
Paradox, NY	12858	518
Paradox Lake, NY	12858	518
Port Henry, NY	12974	518
Port Kent, NY	12975	518
Ray Brook, NY	12977	518
Reber, NY	12996	518
Saint Huberts, NY	12943	518
Schroon Lake, NY	12870	518
Severance, NY	12872	518
Streetroad, NY	12883	518
Tahawus, NY	12879	518
Ticonderoga, NY	12858	518
	12883	518
Upper Jay, NY	12987	518
Wadhams, NY	12993	518
Westport, NY	12993	518
Whallonsburg, NY	12936	518
Whiteface Mountain, NY	12997	518
Willsboro, NY	12996	518
Willsboro Point, NY	12996	518
Wilmington, NY	12997	518
Witherbee, NY	12998	518

Major Cities and Towns in Essex County, New York

Lake Placid

Overview

• Area: 1.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,300
• Zip Codes: 12946
• Latitude: 44.2795° N
• Longitude: 73.9799° W

Lake Placid, located in the Adirondack Mountains, is best known as the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Originally established as a small settlement in the early 19th century, the village gained popularity as a health resort and later as a destination for outdoor recreation and sports. Its Olympic heritage, combined with scenic landscapes and a well-preserved Main Street, makes Lake Placid a popular year-round destination. Today, the village attracts athletes, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy its winter sports facilities, hiking trails, and picturesque lakes.

Education and Landmarks

Lake Placid is served by the Lake Placid Central School District, with Lake Placid High School known for its academic and athletic programs. Notable landmarks include the Olympic Center, where the famous “Miracle on Ice” hockey game took place, and the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, which offers panoramic views of the Adirondacks. Mirror Lake and Lake Placid provide opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. The annual Ironman Lake Placid Triathlon is a major event that draws participants and spectators from around the world. Lake Placid’s mix of Olympic history, outdoor activities, and community events makes it a unique and vibrant village.

Ticonderoga

Overview

• Area: 88.4 square miles
• Population: Approximately 5,000
• Zip Codes: 12883
• Latitude: 43.8484° N
• Longitude: 73.4235° W

Ticonderoga, located between Lake George and Lake Champlain, has a rich history as a strategic military site. Established in the 18th century, Ticonderoga played a critical role during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, with Fort Ticonderoga being a key location in both conflicts. The town grew around its military and later industrial heritage, with the paper and pencil industry becoming significant in the 19th century. Today, Ticonderoga is known for its historical sites and scenic beauty, attracting visitors interested in both history and nature.

Education and Landmarks

The Ticonderoga Central School District serves the area, with Ticonderoga High School providing education and extracurricular activities. Key landmarks include Fort Ticonderoga, a restored 18th-century fort and museum offering reenactments, educational programs, and scenic views of Lake Champlain. The Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, a unique attraction in town, is popular among fans of the TV series. Ticonderoga’s access to both Lake George and Lake Champlain makes it a popular spot for boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation. With its historical significance, educational resources, and natural beauty, Ticonderoga remains an important cultural and tourist destination.

Elizabethtown

Overview

• Area: 83.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,200
• Zip Codes: 12932
• Latitude: 44.2147° N
• Longitude: 73.5901° W

Elizabethtown, known as the “Pleasant Valley” of the Adirondacks, serves as the county seat of Essex County. Founded in the early 19th century, Elizabethtown became a political and economic center for the region, with a location that made it accessible to neighboring communities. Its scenic setting and preserved historical buildings give it a quintessential small-town feel. Over the years, Elizabethtown has retained its rural character, while serving as a center for government and public services within Essex County.

Education and Landmarks

Elizabethtown is served by the Elizabethtown-Lewis-Westport Central School District, with the local high school providing academic and athletic programs. Major landmarks include the Essex County Courthouse, an elegant 19th-century building that reflects the town’s historical importance. The Adirondack History Museum offers exhibits on the region’s cultural and natural heritage. Nearby Hurricane Mountain provides hiking trails with stunning views of the Adirondacks. With its focus on history, education, and government, Elizabethtown is a charming town that values its heritage and community role.

Keene

Overview

• Area: 156.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,100
• Zip Codes: 12942, 12943
• Latitude: 44.2594° N
• Longitude: 73.7882° W

Keene, a town nestled in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, is known for its rugged landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Established in the early 19th century, Keene developed as a farming community before becoming a destination for hikers and nature lovers. The town includes the hamlets of Keene Valley and Keene, both of which serve as starting points for several of the tallest peaks in the Adirondacks. Keene’s scenic location and access to hiking trails have made it a popular spot for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.

Education and Landmarks

The Keene Central School District serves the area, with Keene Central School offering K-12 education to local students. Notable landmarks include the Mount Marcy Trail, which leads to the highest peak in New York, and the Ausable Club, a private club that provides access to various hiking trails. The town hosts the annual Great Adirondack Trail Run, a community event that celebrates outdoor recreation and conservation. With its emphasis on education, outdoor activities, and natural landscapes, Keene is a vibrant community that values its connection to nature.

Saranac Lake

Overview

• Area: 3.0 square miles
• Population: Approximately 5,400
• Zip Codes: 12983
• Latitude: 44.3297° N
• Longitude: 74.1318° W

Saranac Lake is a scenic village located near the Saranac River and surrounded by lakes and mountains. Originally established as a logging town, Saranac Lake later became known as a health retreat for tuberculosis patients in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The village’s mountain air and natural beauty attracted people seeking fresh air and healing, and it became home to the Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium, founded by Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau. Today, Saranac Lake is known for its arts community, historic architecture, and outdoor activities.

Education and Landmarks

Saranac Lake Central School District serves the area, with Saranac Lake High School offering a range of academic and arts programs. Major landmarks include the Saranac Laboratory Museum, dedicated to Dr. Trudeau’s work on tuberculosis, and the Adirondack Carousel, a unique attraction featuring hand-carved animal figures. The village hosts the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, one of the oldest winter festivals in the U.S., which includes an ice palace, parades, and winter sports. With its mix of history, education, and outdoor charm, Saranac Lake remains a beloved village in the Adirondacks.

Essex

Overview

• Area: 39.1 square miles
• Population: Approximately 600
• Zip Codes: 12936
• Latitude: 44.3087° N
• Longitude: 73.3527° W

Essex is a picturesque town along the western shore of Lake Champlain, known for its historic architecture and scenic views. Founded in the late 18th century, Essex grew as a shipbuilding and agricultural community, with its location on Lake Champlain supporting trade and transport. Much of the town’s original architecture has been preserved, making it one of the best-preserved early American villages along the lake. The town’s quaint streets and waterfront views give Essex a timeless charm that attracts history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Education and Landmarks

Essex is part of the Boquet Valley Central School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns. Key landmarks include the Essex Shipyard, which dates back to the 19th century, and the historic Essex Inn, a Federal-style inn that has welcomed visitors for over 200 years. The town also offers a ferry service to Charlotte, Vermont, providing a scenic crossing over Lake Champlain. The Adirondack Art Association Gallery in Essex showcases local artists and highlights the town’s commitment to culture and the arts. Essex’s dedication to preservation and scenic beauty make it a gem on Lake Champlain.

Wilmington

Overview

• Area: 65.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,200
• Zip Codes: 12997
• Latitude: 44.3881° N
• Longitude: 73.8166° W

Wilmington, located in the Adirondack Mountains, is known as the home of Whiteface Mountain and its ski facilities. Founded in the early 19th century, Wilmington initially developed as a small farming and milling town before becoming a recreational hub. Whiteface Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Adirondacks, has made Wilmington a premier destination for winter sports, particularly skiing and snowboarding. The town’s proximity to Lake Placid also adds to its popularity as a destination for outdoor activities year-round.

Education and Landmarks

Wilmington is part of the Lake Placid Central School District, with students attending schools in nearby Lake Placid. Key landmarks include Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, which offers skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking in the summer, and the High Falls Gorge, a natural attraction with waterfalls and walking trails. The annual Wilmington Whiteface Bike Fest celebrates mountain biking and outdoor sports, drawing participants from across the region. Wilmington’s focus on outdoor recreation and natural beauty makes it a welcoming town for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.