Fonda Old Court House and Historical Archives

Adirondack Trail, State Rt. 30A, near Fonda in Montgomery County

Housed in the 1836 Old Courthouse, the Montgomery County Department of History and Archives has 2 full-time and 1 part-time staff and has become one of the largest repositories for historical and genealogical collections in the State of New York.

Montgomery County, first named as Tryon County in 1772, in its original formation had its boundaries extending as far north as the St. Lawrence River, as far south as the Pennsylvania border, and as far west as the territories of the Six Nations. Prior to the settlement of the Europeans, Native Americans inhabited the lands throughout the valley named for the Mohawks, one of the six Iroquois tribes. Early settlers to this area included the Dutch, in search of trapping and the fur trade, and the Palatine Germans, in search of religious freedom.

The Revolutionary War had significant impact upon the residents of Montgomery County. Four regiments, consisting of enlisted men throughout the valley, made up the Tryon County militia. Blood was shed on the lands within the county during this time. The battles that took place at Klock’s Field and Stone Arabia, not to mention the horrendous incursions by Johnson’s raiders, wreaked havoc.

The Erie Canal was constructed through Montgomery County. The development of a number of its towns can be attributed to "Clinton’s Ditch." In fact, the proximity of the Erie Canal was one of the factors supporting the move of the county seat from Johnstown to Fonda.

LODGING, DINING & OTHER INFORMATION:

• Montgomery County Tourism Information