Editing Wells, New York (section)

===War of 1812===
The [[United States|United States of America]] declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812. The settlers of Wells and [[Lake Pleasant, New York|Lake Pleasant]] were afraid of potential attacks from Native Americans who allied with the [[British Empire]] to attack American settlements. The Native Americans were seen roaming in the forest hunting, trapping and fishing. Despite no attacks, the Adirondack settlers, who considered themselves on the northern frontier boundary of the St. Lawrence, fled from their homes and scattered themselves to the counties of Saratoga, Rensselaer and Montgomery. All inhabitants except the Peck family left Lake Pleasant, and so did a large majority leave Wells. An application was made by a remaining few settlers to New York governor [[Daniel D. Tompkins]] for an order to raise a company of volunteers from Lake Pleasant and Wells to create a militia in order to "allay the fears of the inhabitants," to protect them from a possible massacre and to encourage them to return to their homes. The petition was granted and William B Peck of Lake Pleasant was commissioned captain of the Wells and Lake Pleasant Home Guards of Company C under Montgomery counties militia 122 regiment. Lt. John L Francisco of Wells later took command of the militia, as William Peck retired from his post.<ref>Loose, Steve. "War of 1812 Pension Application of Washington Craig of Wells." War of 1812 Pension Application of Washington Craig of Wells. N.p., May 14, 2008. Web. August 25, 2013.</ref>

The [[War of 1812]] brought a need for roads to be built so United States forces could invade Canada. A military road was created through the town of Wells to reach the St. Lawrence river so men and provisions could be transported easily into Canadian territory.<ref>Aber, Ted, and Stella Brooks King. The History of Hamilton County. Lake Pleasant, NY: Great Wilderness, 1965. Print</ref>