Elizabethtown is a town in Essex County, New York, United States.

The name is derived from Elizabeth Gilliland, the wife of an early settler.

William Gilliland, an investor, bought up large tracts of land in Essex County.

The lumber industry and processing iron ore were important in the beginning, but tourism became prominent by the end of the 19th century.

Interstate 87, the Northway, is a major divided highway passing through the southeastern part of Elizabethtown.

The town is also in the Adirondack High Peaks region, and is 18 miles (29 km) from Mount Marcy, the highest point in the state.

31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.