The route was assigned as part of the 1930 renumbering of state highways in New York along the path of an old military road originally built during the American Revolution.

It heads north, intersecting with local roads as it exits the city and enters the town of Queensbury.

At a junction 11.3 miles (18.2 km) northeast of Glens Falls and 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Brayton, NY 9L meets Pilot Knob Road (County Route 38 or CR 38), a local roadway serving several communities located on the eastern shores of Lake George and along the base of Pilot Knob.

This is Owl's Nest, the home of early realist novelist Edward Eggleston, a designated National Historic Landmark.

On August 27, 2007, the New York State Department of Transportation announced that the bridge would be replaced at a cost of $1.3 million.

Initially, work on the project was to begin in September of that year;[6] however, the start of construction was delayed until April 21, 2008.