Canton's Islands / Falls Island in 1898

The Grasse River flows north to the St. Lawrence River and divides into west and east channels around the islands at Canton. Stillman Foote built the first sawmill and gristmill on the west bank of the Grasse River in 1801-02. On the south side of Main Street, what is now called Willow Island or Canton Island Park was once known as Champlin Island or Cook Island, taking the names of prominent businessmen. The land known for almost a hundred years as Coakley Island was known during the 19th century as Mill Island, where A.E. Smith, L.B. Storrs, and Gardner and Veitch had their businesses before J.P. Coakley bought the property in 1917. The King Iron Bridge connects Coakley Island to Falls Island, a 4.4 acre island that was the heart of 19th century Canton industry. Early maps referred to Falls Island by names including Hodskin, Spears, Huse, and Coakley. A covered bridge built in 1867 and replaced in 1904 crossed the west channel of the Grasse River and served as the entryway from Ogdensberg or Gouverneur.

Canton, New York · United States