In the early decades of the 1800s stately sloops were joined on Lake Champlain by an increasing number of steamboats, an efficient new maritime technology offering speed and improved upwind navigational ability. Lake Champlain quickly became a bustling shipping highway, and Essex … [Read more...] about Steamboats and The Champlain Canal
Daily Doodle
Daily Doodle: Amy Guglielmo’s Essex in a Jar
Today we’re showcasing a whimsical Essex doodle from our live performance at The Depot Theatre on July 23, 2013. This detailed illustration was created on stage by Amy Gugliemo in response to the question, “What comes to mind when you think of Essex, NY?” Amy filled a jar with … [Read more...] about Daily Doodle: Amy Guglielmo’s Essex in a Jar
Essex Prosperity 1820 to 1830
"Essex became the largest and most successful port on Lake Champlain in the early 19th century." (Hislop, David C., Jr. Images of America: Essex on Lake Champlain. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub., 2009. Print. Images of America. 27) Following the War of 1812 Essex prosperity did … [Read more...] about Essex Prosperity 1820 to 1830
Daily Doodle: Essex Dock House by David Brayden
At our table during Downtown Essex Day this summer (2013) we prompted the passing crowds to draw Essex doodles. We asked potential doodlers, "What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Essex, New York?" David Brayden stopped by and mentioned that he loved … [Read more...] about Daily Doodle: Essex Dock House by David Brayden
Essex in the War of 1812
Unlike the unfortunate fate which befell Essex and Willsboro during the American Revolution, the War of 1812 accelerated the Essex boom underway at the turn of the century. In addition to provisioning troops, natural resource extraction and manufacturing Essex shipyards produced … [Read more...] about Essex in the War of 1812