Dexter, population 1,120 (Census 2000 data,) is a village in the larger town of Brownville, population 5,843. Brownville was one of the very first towns in Jefferson County, settled in 1799.

Dexter, originally named Fish Island, is located at the head of the powerful Black River, on the shores of Black River Bay, known for the some of the finest walleye fishing in the Great Lakes.

Harnessing the strong currents of the Black River, the early settlers were some of the first in the state to erect sawmills and gristmills. Dexter and Brownville became key manufacturing points and distribution centers in this largely agricultural region. A number of companies that were started in the 1800's still prosper in Dexter today. Three general merchandise stores, Bass Furniture, Binninger and Strainge Lumber, and Hubbs Jewels are just a few. The Dexter Masonic Lodge, instituted in 1896 with 86 members, has become one of the leading fraternal orders in Jefferson County. Today's membership is more than 100.

Newer businesses flourish here also. Dexter is the site of the Watertown International Airport, which services the Greater Watertown Metropolitan Area as well as the military base at nearby Fort Drum. Whitewater Challengers has located a branch in Dexter, offering rafting trips down the exciting Black River. Utilizing the beautiful landscape surrounding Dexter, Cap-Away Stables provides horseback rides through Jefferson County's rural charm. The Black River Campground is well known by anglers coming to Dexter to fish for salmon, bass, and muskie, as well as walleye. The Perch River Game Management Area and the Brownville State Game Farm in Dexter are excellent areas to hike, horseback ride, and hunt.

Dexter residents enjoy four full seasons, with short springs and falls. Summer heat waves rarely happen, with Lake Ontario breezes helping to keep temperatures cool. "Lake effect" snowfalls can turn Dexter into a winter wonderland. The nearby city of Watertown is known as "Snowtown, USA".

Dexter, New York residents have built an endearing community. Hard-working, hard-playing people, they value their tiny village atmosphere and delight in their surroundings.