Adirondac
The Town That Named the Mountains
State: New York
County: Essex County
Founded: 1849
Abandoned: 1857
Peak Population: 300
Adirondac was an iron mining village that gave its name to the entire Adirondack mountain range - though the town's name was itself a corruption of a Native American word. The iron proved too expensive to transport, and the town was abandoned after just 8 years.
Iron Mining
The Adirondac iron deposits were rich but remote. Getting ore to markets proved impractical.
Name Origin
The town name came from 'Ratirontaks,' an Iroquois word. The mountain range took its name from this short-lived village.
Timeline
- 1849 - Founded Iron mining began
- 1857 - Abandoned Mining proved unprofitable
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Needed: Half day
Quick Facts
- Named the Adirondack Mountains
- Only lasted 8 years
- Near Tahawus titanium mine
Location
Address: Near Tahawus, New York
Coordinates: 43.95, -74.05