Fort Drum tour brings local history to life

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Oct. 13, 2026) — Community members traveled through thousands of acres in the training area on Oct. 9 to explore generations of North… FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Oct. 13, 2026) — Community members traveled through thousands of acres in the training area on Oct. 9 to explore generations of North Country industry and environmental stewardship during the Fort Drum History Tour. The tour included stops at Slocum’s Mills, Buck Creek Park (Conservation Pond) and the “Lost Village” of North Wilna. Together, these sites highlighted the area’s complex evolution – from its days as a 19th century industrial hub and thriving farm community to its transformation into a vital military training ground during World War II.

At the ruins of the Lewisburg blast furnace and the flooded Quarry Pond, attendees learned about a booming iron-making industry and the discovery of world-class calcite crystals unearthed from the quarry’s depths. They also paid their respects to the area’s pioneers and veterans, including those from the Civil War, at the Lewisburg Cemetery. Beyond the historical narrative, the tour emphasized the modern mission of Fort Drum, demonstrating how the installation balances the training needs of the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and visiting units with a proactive commitment to ecological conservation. Visitors learned about ongoing efforts to restore sandplain grasslands, manage forest habitats, and