Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike
Encyclopedia
The Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike was a 19th century toll road
in the North Country
of New York
, United States
. It began in the town of Hopkinton
and ended at the hamlet of Port Kent
, located on the western shore of Lake Champlain
. The turnpike was constructed in the early 1830s and was completed in 1833. The tolls along the road were removed just five years later; however, parts of the former turnpike later became the basis for several 20th century state highway
s. One, the former New York State Route 99
, is still known today as the "Port Kent – Hopkinton Turnpike".
on the northern banks of the St. Regis River
in the St. Lawrence County
town of Lawrence
. It headed eastward on what is now Port Kent and Red Tavern Roads through Saint Regis Falls to the town of Duane
. Between the hamlets of Duane Center and Merrillsville (the latter in the town of Franklin
), it followed modern County Route 26 through Franklin County
. CR 26 is still known today as the "Port Kent – Hopkinton Turnpike" and is one of only two highways along the turnpike's routing that still makes reference to the old toll road.
From Franklin to Au Sable Forks
, the Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike used a series of roadways that are now primarily local roads. It continued eastward from modern NY 3
on Alder Brook Park and Brook Roads to the hamlet of Union Falls, situated near the Franklin–Clinton
county line. East of Union Falls, it proceeded on what is now Union Falls, Silver Lake, Turnpike, and Guide Board Roads through rural portions of Clinton County to the more populous Au Sable Forks. Northeast of Au Sable Forks, the turnpike followed what is now a series of state-maintained highways. Most of the highway—from Au Sable Forks to Keeseville
—is now part of NY 9N
. Past Keeseville, the routing of the turnpike continued to the hamlet of Port Kent
on modern U.S. Route 9 and NY 373
.
was first conceived as early as the beginning of the 19th century. Several different roadways were built; however, all ultimately fell into disuse after several years. On April 16, 1827, a team of three surveyors were commissioned to determine a routing for a new highway leading from Hopkinton
, a town in northeastern St. Lawrence County, to Lake Champlain
. The surveying and leveling took 26 days and was completed by late October of that year. Contemporary newspapers claimed that the chosen route avoided all "hills of any magnitude".
On April 18, 1829, the New York State Legislature passed an act that allowed construction to begin on the highway, which was to begin at Hopkinton and end at Port Kent
on the western shore of Lake Champlain. As part of the act, the state of New York
allocated $25,836 (equivalent to $ in ) toward the construction of the road and levied a tax on all land located within three miles of the proposed route, which would raise an additional $12,500 (equivalent to $ in ) for the project. Construction began later that year and was completed in 1832. The 75 miles (120.7 km) highway opened in 1833 as a toll road
named the Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike.
Under the original text of the 1829 act, only one toll gate was permitted on the turnpike. On January 16, 1835, the commissioners of the Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike filed a petition in the New York State Senate
requesting that the turnpike be allowed to replace the one toll gate with two "half toll gates"; that is, two toll gates charging half of the normal amount of toll. The original toll gate was placed near the midpoint of the turnpike; however, the commissioners indicated that most of the traffic used only small portions of the highway near each end, resulting in a loss of toll revenue. Thus, the commissioners desired to place two half toll gates closer to the endpoints of the route.
A bill was introduced in the State Senate shortly afterward that, if passed, would allow the turnpike to have two half toll gates. It was passed by the Senate on January 20, 1835, and by the New York State Assembly
on February 2, 1835. The bill was signed into law by Governor William L. Marcy
on February 4, 1835. Ultimately, the change in toll gate locations did little to improve the financial standing of the turnpike. On March 30, 1838, a law went into effect that stipulated that maintenance of the Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike would be transferred to the towns it ran within and that the roadway would be maintained using public highway funds, effectively dissolving the toll road.
Portions of the former turnpike were later acquired by the state of New York and added to the state highway system. By 1930, the portion from Au Sable Forks
to Ausable Chasm
had a route number; two more sections—Duane
(at Duane Center) to Franklin
(Merrillsville) and Ausable Chasm to Port Kent—gained a designation as part of the 1930 renumbering of state highways in New York. Of the four designations that occupied parts of the turnpike's former routing in 1930—U.S. Route 9, NY 9N
, NY 99
, and NY 373
—three still exist today. NY 99 was removed in 1994.
Toll road
A toll road is a privately or publicly built road for which a driver pays a toll for use. Structures for which tolls are charged include toll bridges and toll tunnels. Non-toll roads are financed using other sources of revenue, most typically fuel tax or general tax funds...
in the North Country
North Country, New York
The North Country is a region of the U.S. state of New York that encompasses the state's extreme northern frontier, bordering Lake Ontario on the west, the Saint Lawrence River and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec on the north and northwest, and Lake Champlain and Vermont on the east...
of New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It began in the town of Hopkinton
Hopkinton, New York
Hopkinton is a town in St. Lawrence County, New York in the United States. The population was 1,020 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from early settlers with the name Hopkins....
and ended at the hamlet of Port Kent
Port Kent, New York
Port Kent, New York is a community in Essex County, New York, on Lake Champlain. Ferry service to Vermont is provided by the Lake Champlain Transportation Company; the community also has an Amtrak railroad stop....
, located on the western shore of Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a natural, freshwater lake in North America, located mainly within the borders of the United States but partially situated across the Canada—United States border in the Canadian province of Quebec.The New York portion of the Champlain Valley includes the eastern portions of...
. The turnpike was constructed in the early 1830s and was completed in 1833. The tolls along the road were removed just five years later; however, parts of the former turnpike later became the basis for several 20th century state highway
State highway
State highway, state road or state route can refer to one of three related concepts, two of them related to a state or provincial government in a country that is divided into states or provinces :#A...
s. One, the former New York State Route 99
New York State Route 99
New York State Route 99 was a state highway in Franklin County, New York, in the United States. The western terminus of the route was at an intersection with NY 30 in Duane. Its eastern terminus was at a junction with NY 3 near the Franklin community of Merrillsville...
, is still known today as the "Port Kent – Hopkinton Turnpike".
Route description
The Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike began in Nicholville, a small hamlet situated adjacent to the town of HopkintonHopkinton, New York
Hopkinton is a town in St. Lawrence County, New York in the United States. The population was 1,020 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from early settlers with the name Hopkins....
on the northern banks of the St. Regis River
St. Regis River
The St. Regis River is an river in northern New York in the USA. It flows into the Saint Lawrence River at the hamlet of St Regis in the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation. The Saint Regis River basin includes Upper and Lower St. Regis Lakes, and Saint Regis Pond in the Saint Regis Canoe Area.-External...
in the St. Lawrence County
St. Lawrence County, New York
St. Lawrence County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 111,944. The county seat is Canton. The county is named for the Saint Lawrence River, which in turn was named for the Catholic saint on whose Feast day the river was discovered by...
town of Lawrence
Lawrence, St. Lawrence County, New York
Lawrence is a town in St. Lawrence County, New York in the United States. The population was 1,545 at the 2000 census. The town is named after William Lawrence, an early land owner....
. It headed eastward on what is now Port Kent and Red Tavern Roads through Saint Regis Falls to the town of Duane
Duane, New York
Duane is a town in Franklin County, New York, United States. The population was 159 at the 2000 census. The town is named after James Duane, a developer and grandson of New York City Mayor James Duane....
. Between the hamlets of Duane Center and Merrillsville (the latter in the town of Franklin
Franklin, Franklin County, New York
Franklin is a town located in Franklin County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,197.The Town of Franklin is in southeast part of the county, southeast of the Village of Malone . Franklin is in the Adirondack Region of New York State.- History...
), it followed modern County Route 26 through Franklin County
Franklin County, New York
Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 51,599. It is named in honor of American Founding Father Benjamin Franklin...
. CR 26 is still known today as the "Port Kent – Hopkinton Turnpike" and is one of only two highways along the turnpike's routing that still makes reference to the old toll road.
From Franklin to Au Sable Forks
Au Sable Forks, New York
Au Sable Forks is a census-designated place in Clinton County, New York, United States. The population was 559 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Au Sable Forks is located at ....
, the Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike used a series of roadways that are now primarily local roads. It continued eastward from modern NY 3
New York State Route 3
New York State Route 3 is a major east–west state highway in New York, United States, that connects central New York to the North Country region near the Canadian border via Adirondack Park. The route extends for between its western terminus at an intersection with NY 104A in the Cayuga...
on Alder Brook Park and Brook Roads to the hamlet of Union Falls, situated near the Franklin–Clinton
Clinton County, New York
Clinton County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 82,128. Its name is in honor of the first Governor of New York as a state, George Clinton. Its county seat is Plattsburgh.-History:...
county line. East of Union Falls, it proceeded on what is now Union Falls, Silver Lake, Turnpike, and Guide Board Roads through rural portions of Clinton County to the more populous Au Sable Forks. Northeast of Au Sable Forks, the turnpike followed what is now a series of state-maintained highways. Most of the highway—from Au Sable Forks to Keeseville
Keeseville, New York
Keeseville is a village in both Clinton County, New York and in Essex County, New York in the United States. The population was 1,815 at the 2010 census. The village is named after the Keese family....
—is now part of NY 9N
New York State Route 9N
New York State Route 9N is a north–south state highway in northeastern New York, United States. It extends from an intersection with U.S. Route 9 , NY 29, and NY 50 in the city of Saratoga Springs to a junction with US 9 and NY 22 in the Clinton County village of...
. Past Keeseville, the routing of the turnpike continued to the hamlet of Port Kent
Port Kent, New York
Port Kent, New York is a community in Essex County, New York, on Lake Champlain. Ferry service to Vermont is provided by the Lake Champlain Transportation Company; the community also has an Amtrak railroad stop....
on modern U.S. Route 9 and NY 373
New York State Route 373
New York State Route 373 is a short state highway in Essex County, New York, within Adirondack State Park. It begins at U.S. Route 9 and proceeds eastward, ending at a ferry landing on Lake Champlain. It intersects two county routes, several local roads, and a reference...
.
History
The idea of constructing a highway leading southward from St. Lawrence CountySt. Lawrence County, New York
St. Lawrence County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 111,944. The county seat is Canton. The county is named for the Saint Lawrence River, which in turn was named for the Catholic saint on whose Feast day the river was discovered by...
was first conceived as early as the beginning of the 19th century. Several different roadways were built; however, all ultimately fell into disuse after several years. On April 16, 1827, a team of three surveyors were commissioned to determine a routing for a new highway leading from Hopkinton
Hopkinton, New York
Hopkinton is a town in St. Lawrence County, New York in the United States. The population was 1,020 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from early settlers with the name Hopkins....
, a town in northeastern St. Lawrence County, to Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a natural, freshwater lake in North America, located mainly within the borders of the United States but partially situated across the Canada—United States border in the Canadian province of Quebec.The New York portion of the Champlain Valley includes the eastern portions of...
. The surveying and leveling took 26 days and was completed by late October of that year. Contemporary newspapers claimed that the chosen route avoided all "hills of any magnitude".
On April 18, 1829, the New York State Legislature passed an act that allowed construction to begin on the highway, which was to begin at Hopkinton and end at Port Kent
Port Kent, New York
Port Kent, New York is a community in Essex County, New York, on Lake Champlain. Ferry service to Vermont is provided by the Lake Champlain Transportation Company; the community also has an Amtrak railroad stop....
on the western shore of Lake Champlain. As part of the act, the state of New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
allocated $25,836 (equivalent to $ in ) toward the construction of the road and levied a tax on all land located within three miles of the proposed route, which would raise an additional $12,500 (equivalent to $ in ) for the project. Construction began later that year and was completed in 1832. The 75 miles (120.7 km) highway opened in 1833 as a toll road
Toll road
A toll road is a privately or publicly built road for which a driver pays a toll for use. Structures for which tolls are charged include toll bridges and toll tunnels. Non-toll roads are financed using other sources of revenue, most typically fuel tax or general tax funds...
named the Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike.
Under the original text of the 1829 act, only one toll gate was permitted on the turnpike. On January 16, 1835, the commissioners of the Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike filed a petition in the New York State Senate
New York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
requesting that the turnpike be allowed to replace the one toll gate with two "half toll gates"; that is, two toll gates charging half of the normal amount of toll. The original toll gate was placed near the midpoint of the turnpike; however, the commissioners indicated that most of the traffic used only small portions of the highway near each end, resulting in a loss of toll revenue. Thus, the commissioners desired to place two half toll gates closer to the endpoints of the route.
A bill was introduced in the State Senate shortly afterward that, if passed, would allow the turnpike to have two half toll gates. It was passed by the Senate on January 20, 1835, and by the New York State Assembly
New York State Assembly
The New York State Assembly is the lower house of the New York State Legislature. The Assembly is composed of 150 members representing an equal number of districts, with each district having an average population of 128,652...
on February 2, 1835. The bill was signed into law by Governor William L. Marcy
William L. Marcy
William Learned Marcy was an American statesman, who served as U.S. Senator and the 11th Governor of New York, and as the U.S. Secretary of War and U.S. Secretary of State.-Early life:...
on February 4, 1835. Ultimately, the change in toll gate locations did little to improve the financial standing of the turnpike. On March 30, 1838, a law went into effect that stipulated that maintenance of the Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike would be transferred to the towns it ran within and that the roadway would be maintained using public highway funds, effectively dissolving the toll road.
Portions of the former turnpike were later acquired by the state of New York and added to the state highway system. By 1930, the portion from Au Sable Forks
Au Sable Forks, New York
Au Sable Forks is a census-designated place in Clinton County, New York, United States. The population was 559 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Au Sable Forks is located at ....
to Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm is a sandstone gorge tourist attraction located near Keeseville, New York. The Ausable River runs through it, which then empties into Lake Champlain....
had a route number; two more sections—Duane
Duane, New York
Duane is a town in Franklin County, New York, United States. The population was 159 at the 2000 census. The town is named after James Duane, a developer and grandson of New York City Mayor James Duane....
(at Duane Center) to Franklin
Franklin, Franklin County, New York
Franklin is a town located in Franklin County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,197.The Town of Franklin is in southeast part of the county, southeast of the Village of Malone . Franklin is in the Adirondack Region of New York State.- History...
(Merrillsville) and Ausable Chasm to Port Kent—gained a designation as part of the 1930 renumbering of state highways in New York. Of the four designations that occupied parts of the turnpike's former routing in 1930—U.S. Route 9, NY 9N
New York State Route 9N
New York State Route 9N is a north–south state highway in northeastern New York, United States. It extends from an intersection with U.S. Route 9 , NY 29, and NY 50 in the city of Saratoga Springs to a junction with US 9 and NY 22 in the Clinton County village of...
, NY 99
New York State Route 99
New York State Route 99 was a state highway in Franklin County, New York, in the United States. The western terminus of the route was at an intersection with NY 30 in Duane. Its eastern terminus was at a junction with NY 3 near the Franklin community of Merrillsville...
, and NY 373
New York State Route 373
New York State Route 373 is a short state highway in Essex County, New York, within Adirondack State Park. It begins at U.S. Route 9 and proceeds eastward, ending at a ferry landing on Lake Champlain. It intersects two county routes, several local roads, and a reference...
—three still exist today. NY 99 was removed in 1994.