Page:History of Warren County.djvu/26

 From the date when Champlain entered the lake' which bears his name (July 4th, 1609) to the present time, the historic traces are generally clearly defined, gradually broadening outward toward the present advanced state of civilized occupation of this region ; that event, approaching as it did, if not actually embracing a visit from the great explorer, to places within the present boundaries of this county, was the direct forerunner of the stirring era that extended down to the close of the Revolutionary War. Warren county was formed from Washington county on the 12th of March, 18 13, and received its name in honor of General Joseph Warren, of the Revolutionary army. It lies near the eastern boundary of the State, south and west of Lake George. It contains nine hundred and sixty-eight square miles; its population according to the census of 1880 was 25,180. It contains eleven towns, with Caldwell as the county seat. Although the county was not formed until 181 3, it may often become necessary to speak of the inhabitants of the territory now embraced within the county boundaries, and events occurring therein, previous to the actual forma- tion and existence of the county as a civil organization. In doing so, allusion may be made, for the sake of convenience and simplicity, to Warren county before its actual creation. Such is a brief general reference to the subject of this history — a locality which has been the theatre of events possessing great historic interest and im- portance; which is distinguished by some of nature's most marvelous works and is surrounded with an atmosphere of romance. *

CHAPTER II.

NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS.

General Topography — The Geological Survey — Description of the Five Mountain Ranges — Recommendations to Lovers of Nature — Valleys of the County — Lakes and Ponds — Falls and Cas- cades — Geology — Granite — Serpentine — Potsdam Sandstone — Sand Rock — Black Marble — Tren- ton Limestone — Utica Slate.

MOUNTAINS. — When, by an act of the State Legislature, the geological survey was commenced, the people at large looked upon it as a foolish waste of money ; but when Ebenezer Emmons submitted his report in 1842 for the survey of the second district, there was throughout the country a feel- ing of satisfaction, and particularly among men of scientific attainments; for