Historian
Vicki Brassard
Email: mooershistorian@mooersny.com
Phone: (518) 236-7927 ext.108
Hours are Thursday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Appointments Are Also Available Upon Request
Town Historian News
Hello, Mooers community! If you’ve been around town, you’ve likely noticed some exciting improvements that enhance the charm of our Old Village. From the restoration of the historic cemetery and the creation of our new Veterans Park to the cleanup efforts around the old bridge on East Street and our successful Spring-Cleaning Day in May 2024, our town is embracing its rich history with pride.
Many community members have joined me in preserving and revitalizing Mooers, a town brimming with historical significance. Notable sites include the historic cemetery, where Revolutionary War patriots and Civil War soldiers rest, as well as the Veterans Park, the Mooers Depot Train Station, and the century-old East Street bridge. The historic homes, apartment buildings, and businesses stretching from Mills Street (Route 11) to the East Street bridge each hold unique stories from the 1800s—including the First Presbyterian Church, now serving as senior housing.
Additionally, landmarks such as the Mooers Campground on Campground Road and our beloved Mooers School, formerly Mooers High School, stand as reminders of our town’s deep-rooted history. Many of the individuals who shaped our community now rest in the historic cemetery, forever a part of Mooers’ story.
Together, we continue to honor and preserve the past while building a bright future for Mooers. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to these efforts!
Our Mission for Mooers History.
"The Town of Mooers is dedicated to preserving its rich history, fostering a strong sense of community, and promoting a safe, inclusive, and thriving environment for all residents. Through responsible governance, sustainable development, and investment in recreation, education, and local heritage, we strive to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations while honoring the traditions that make Mooers unique."
Work in progress
At the board meeting on Tuesday, April 8th, at 6:30 PM, Erin Tobin, Executive Director of Adirondack Architectural Heritage, will be present, discuss, and answer questions about the potential establishment of a historic district in Mooers. The proposed area includes properties starting at Veterans Park, extending to East Street and the old bridge, from the flashing light in Mooers along Route 11 to Depot Street, as well as Depot Street, Maple Street to Westlynn Church, and back to Route 11, including School Street and Mills Street.
The town of Mooers boasts numerous historical landmarks recognized under various designations, including National Historic, State Historic, and Local Historic statuses. Below is a list of these significant sites:
The Old Riverside Cemetery
Riverside Cemetery: A Historic Landmark in Mooers
Located at the corner of Route 11 and Mills Street, behind the Mooers Veterans Park, Riverside Cemetery stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. On September 15, 2018, it was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its significant funerary art and its ties to the early settlement and exploration of the region.
Historical significance
Riverside Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many of Mooers' early settlers, war veterans, and prominent community figures. The site reflects the town’s development, with gravestones and monuments that date back to the 19th century. The artistry found on these markers showcases intricate carvings, symbolic motifs, and styles that offer insight into the cultural and religious practices of the time.
Funerary Art
One of the key reasons for the cemetery’s recognition is its remarkable funerary art. The gravestones and monuments display a variety of artistic elements, including:
- Hand-carved headstones featuring floral patterns, religious symbols, and epitaphs that provide a glimpse into the beliefs and sentiments of past generations.
- Obelisks and statues that serve as enduring tributes to influential members of the community.
- Victorian-era designs, reflecting trends in memorial art from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Connection to Settlement and Exploration
Beyond its artistic value, Riverside Cemetery holds historical importance as it marks the resting place of individuals who played a role in the settlement and expansion of Mooers. The cemetery’s records provide valuable genealogical and historical information, linking present-day residents to their ancestors and shedding light on the town’s early days.
Preservation and Community Interest
With its placement on the National Register of Historic Places, Riverside Cemetery is recognized as a site worthy of preservation. Efforts to maintain the cemetery ensure that its historical and artistic significance remains intact for future generations. Local historians, genealogists, and community members continue to explore its stories, keeping the town’s heritage alive.
Riverside Cemetery is more than a burial ground—it is a place of remembrance, artistry, and historical reflection, standing as a lasting tribute to Mooers’ past.
Mooers Border Inspection Building
The border inspection station in Mooers has played a vital role in the history of the town, serving as a gateway between the United States and Canada. Established to facilitate trade and travel, the inspection building has witnessed decades of change, from early customs enforcement to modern border security measures.
Originally built in July of 2014, the station was designed to accommodate the growing cross-border movement between Mooers, NY, and Québec, Canada. Over the years, it has been staffed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers who work to ensure safe and legal crossings. The building itself has undergone renovations and improvements to meet the evolving needs of travelers and security regulations.
Beyond its functional role, the border station stands as a symbol of Mooers' unique position as a border town, reflecting its historical ties with Canada. Many local families have stories of cross-border connections, from shared industries to family ties stretching across the international boundary.
Today, the Mooers border inspection station remains an essential part of the town’s identity, continuing its mission of facilitating lawful trade and travel while preserving the safety and integrity of the U.S.-Canada border
The following two sites are now eligible for local, state, and national recognition.
Mooers Junction and Trains
Construction for the first railroad in Mooers began in March of 1848 and was completed in October 1850. This railroad was called the Great Northern.
On July 26, 1852, the Plattsburgh-Montreal Railroad crossed the tracks of the Northern Railroad of New York. It is recorded that there was a pause here, which likely included a small ceremony where "JCT" was added to the station name. That July of 1852 was a monumental time for the people of Mooers Village, as the trains would now provide the town with the means to develop and prosper. (Orville Mc Knight)
Mooers Campsite
Mooers Camp, located on Camp Road, holds historical significance due to its connection with the 19th-century religious camp meeting movement. Established in 1903 during the post-Civil War resurgence of such gatherings, the camp has remained an independent, interdenominational Christian camp for 117 years. Notably, Mooers Camp inspired the founding of the Wilmington Camp Meeting Association in Essex County in 1905.
Camp meetings continue to be held in the North Country, including in Brushton, Vermontville, and Wilmington. Mooers Camp reflects the modest vernacular design characteristic of the Adirondacks and the North Country, with its rustic cottages and camp buildings constructed by local carpenters and members of the association. Among those who may have contributed to its construction are C.L. Knapp & Sons, Emmet Fitch and his brothers, Kings, Humphrey, I.L. Rock, and Chandler.
The camp’s roots trace back to 1887, when Methodist pastor E.L. Lewis preached throughout the North Country, spreading the gospel. The tradition of annual August meetings, which began in 1903 under the leadership of B.S. Taylor, continues to this day. Many of the camp’s original buildings remain intact, preserving their historical character and materials.
Historical bridges
East Street Bridge, documented on August 22, 2018, is an extremely rare example of a skewed Whipple truss bridge. It required variations in the standard design details of the King Bridge Company. The Great Chazy River Bridge, built in 1888, spans 181.8 feet and is described as a pin-connected Whipple through truss bridge over the Great Chazy River on County Route 34, Mooers East Street.(foot traffic only)
Cannon Corners Road- 1930 concrete arch bridge over north branch, Great Chazy River.
Gero Road- 1900 stone arch bridge a span of 49.9 feet total length 107.7 feet
Big Hill Rd- 1904 Pony Truss bridge over North Branch Chazy River spans 88.9 feet, total length 89.9 ft-no longer open to traffic