Editing Willsboro, New York (section)

== History ==
During the [[American Revolutionary War|American Revolution]], British troops under [[John Burgoyne]] camped on the [[Bouquet River]].{{citation needed|date = April 2015}}

The region was first settled by Europeans in 1765 by William Gilliland. 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|date = April 2015}}

The town has always had a thriving agricultural and tourism tradition, though the [[Industrial Revolution]] made its mark on the community as well. Through much of its history, Willsboro's main employer was a paper mill (which produced the wood pulp used in the manufacture of paper). A blue [[limestone]] [[quarry]] was also an important industry locally. The stone quarried from this mine was utilized in the construction of the [[New York State Capitol|Albany State Capitol]] and the [[Brooklyn Bridge]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, LIGONIER POINT HISTORIC DISTRICT |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/12001129.pdf |access-date=March 18, 2024}}</ref>

One of the noted residents was the paper manufacturer [[Augustus G. Paine, Jr.]], who resided in Willsboro for a portion of the year, when he was not in New York, since his large business was located in Willsboro. He commissioned the architect [[C. P. H. Gilbert]] to construct the Essex County Bank in 1921.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.aarch.org/events/handouts/willsboro.pdf |title=Architecture of the Champlain Valley, Willsboro |year=2010 |publisher=Adirondack Architectural Heritage |access-date=November 1, 2010}}</ref> In May 1930, Paine donated a whole library to the town of Willsboro, in memory of his mother, in the sum of $150,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=$150,000 Gift for Library; A.G. Paine Provides Memorial for Mother at Willsboro, N.Y. |newspaper=New York Times |date= May 20, 1930 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/20/archives/150000-gift-for-library-ag-paine-provides-memorial-for-mother-at.html?sq=Paine+provides+memorial+for+his+mother&scp=1&st=p |access-date=October 31, 2010}}</ref> Both the bank and the library were constructed by Gilbert in the [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] style.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.willsborony.com/painememoriallibrary/my%20site%20one/History2.htm |title=History |year=2010 |publisher=Paine Memorial Library |access-date=November 14, 2010}}</ref>

Paine also had [[Flat Rock Camp]], his summer retreat on the shores of [[Lake Champlain]], constructed for his family.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aarch.org/resources/map/county/essex/window/flat.html |title=Flat Rock Camp |year=2010 |publisher=Adirondack Architectural Heritage |access-date=November 1, 2010}}</ref>

After the [[World War II|Second World War]], the paper industry started to decline, and when the paper mill closed in the 1960s the town faced economic difficulties. 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. Willsboro is also becoming a bedroom community for the city of Plattsburgh to the north.{{citation needed|date = April 2015}}

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]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref><ref name="nps">{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/listings/20121026.htm|title=National Register of Historic Places|date=October 26, 2012|work=Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 10/15/12 through 10/19/12|publisher=National Park Service}}</ref>