Willsboro is a town in Essex County, New York, United States, and lies 30 miles (48 km) south of the city of Plattsburgh.
Originally called "Milltown" by its founder (for the sawmill he located on the falls of the Bouquet River, located in the center of the town), it was renamed "Willsborough" (subsequently shortened to "Willsboro") shortly after the Revolutionary War, in honor of the founder.
[citation needed] The town has always had a thriving agricultural and tourism tradition, though the Industrial Revolution made its mark on the community as well.
The stone quarried from this mine was utilized in the construction of the Albany State Capitol and the Brooklyn Bridge.
[7] Paine also had Flat Rock Camp, his summer retreat on the shores of Lake Champlain, constructed for his family.
In order to compensate for the loss, the community relied heavily on tourist dollars, focusing on the scenic landscape, lake frontage, and lush wilderness the area offered visitors.
Recently, new industries have moved to the town, most notably a wollastonite mine, curtain and furniture manufacturers, and numerous web-based service companies.
[citation needed] The Adsit Log House, Abraham Aiken House, Flat Rock Camp, Ligonier Point Historic District, Sheldon–Owens Farm, Willsboro Congregational Church, and The Willsboro School are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.