During the Cold War, Ellenburg was the location of two of the twelve Atlas ICBM missile silos under the 556th Strategic Missile Squadron based out of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

In late 2004, a wind farm was proposed by Noble Environmental Power for the northern part of the town.

Construction was expected to be completed by early 2007, but due to delays it began in the spring of 2008.

Noble has also built wind farms in the neighboring towns of Altona and Chateaugay.

Construction of the wind farms caused some controversy within the towns, as many residents felt it would subtract from the natural beauty of the area.

The wind farm includes 54 turbines producing a total output of 81 megawatts.

New York State Route 190 (Military Turnpike) is an east-west highway, intersecting US-11 at Ellenburg village.