Escape To The Cape! Cape Vincent, New York

The Village of Cape Vincent was incorporated with a population of 1218 on June 14, 1853, making it one of the younger communities in the State of New York. But our historical roots reach back to 1615 when explorer Samuel de Champlain was in the vicinity. In 1654 Jesuit Missionaries visited the native Onondaga and Iriquois Indian tribes who used the area as their hunting grounds. Dablon Point, in the Town of Cape Vincent was named after French Missionary priest Father Dablon, who worked among the Indians with Father Chaumonoit in 1655. Both England and France endeavored to monopolize the Indian trade and extend their influence among the native tribes, establishing missions, building trading posts, and settling in the area.

Carelton and Linda Islands in the St. Lawrence River; and Grenadier, Little Grenadier and Fox Islands in Lake Ontario are all part of the Township of Cape Vincent, as are the hamlets of Rosiere, St. Lawrence Corners, Sand Bay, and Millen Bay.

Fort Haldimand on Carleton Island played an important part in the Revolutionary War, and the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, located on shore where Lake Ontario empties into the St. Lawrence River has been an important navigation aid since 1827. It was rebuilt in 1854 and a fog horn was installed in 1895. The lighthouse keeper's house currently serves as a Youth Hostel and Visitor Center.

Cape Vincent has many historic homes, with thirty buildings on the State and Federal Historic Register.

The Stone House was built by James LeRay de Chaumont in 1815 for his son Vincent, for whom he named the village. The house was used in 1838 to house Canadian Soldiers during the Patriot War. It was the first house in the area to be built of stone, hence the name which has stuck to this day.

The Cornelius Sacket House, built about 1900, is significant as a remarkably intact and outstanding example of high style Colonial Revival architecture. The house displays a high quality of design and craftsmanship and an abundance of refined detail, reflecting the long-established wealth and prominence of the Sacket Family. Its location on the river and its boat house and dock reveal the importance of recreational use of the river even a century ago.

Dairy farming is the main industry in the Township, with tourism a strong second industry. Famous mostly for its fantastic fishing, Cape Vincent is a quiet little town with friendly faces wherever you turn. Anglers come here from all over the world for a unique mixture of lake and river fishing. We are close enough to the exciting night life found in nearby Alexandria Bay or Watertown, or Kingston, yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle to offer tranquility unmatched by any other popular vacation spot. You are sure to enjoy your stay in Cape Vincent, which leads us to say, "Escape to The Cape!"