Adams,
New York, in South
Jefferson County, is part of upstate
New York's beautiful Thousand
Island Region, where countless streams and rivers
flow into massive Lake
Ontario. South Jefferson is a picturesque and
peaceful district of farm communities surrounded by
tranquil, glittering waterways. Some of the finest
salmon fishing in New
York state is found here. Quiet dairy farms are
scattered through acres of untouched, forested state
recreational lands. Thirteen villages and hamlets
comprise this lovely area.
The
town of Adams is centrally located in South Jefferson
County. It was the original site of the region's first
tavern, constructed around 1800. The town grew around
it. Census 2000 recorded Adams' population at 4,782.
Within the town, lies the Village
of Adams, population 1,624, and the hamlet of Adams
Center, population 1,500. The community is
situated on the banks of North
Sandy Creek, famed for its fine runs of trout,
salmon and steelhead.
Early
Adams residents used the surrounding waterpower to
build gristmills and sawmills. Distilleries and
tanneries utilized the agricultural resources of South
Jefferson. The central commercial hub of all of Jefferson
County is the city of Watertown,
lying ten miles from Adams. As part of the Watertown
Metropolitan Area, Adams enjoys a strong and
steady economy, based on agriculture, dairy farming
and lumber. Situated on US Highway 11 and adjacent to
Interstate 81, Adams is easily accessible for
distribution of goods.
Adams
was the birthplace of J. Sterling Morton, the father
of Arbor
Day. Honoring their native son, the community of
Adams holds to the tradition of annual tree planting,
as evidenced by its graceful, tree-lined streets.
Adams serves as host to the Arbor Day Festival each
year, when South Jefferson gathers to celebrate. Adams
also holds the Business Bargain Days in August, with a
huge flea market and craft fair, the largest rummage
sale in New
York.
Winter
can bring legendary snowfalls to Adams and South
Jefferson County, as a result of "lake
effect". Part of the Tug
Hill Plateau, this NY region is quickly becoming
known as a Paradise for winter enthusiasts. Snowmobile
and cross-country ski trails run throughout the county
and the many miles of unpaved rural country back roads
are put to good use. The Tug
Hill Challenge is a two-day sled dog race, which
draws teams from all over the United States and Canada.
Adams,
New York offers the serenity of rural living. The
strong commitment and ethics of an agriculturally
based community is reflected in the almost nonexistent
crime statistics. Nestled in the beauty of South
Jefferson County, Adams is rooted in the hard work and
stable relationships of its founders, and the
landscape is dotted with testimonials to their lives.
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