Natural Bridge, New York

Description

Natural Bridge, New York is commonly referred to as a “hamlet.” This small village of 1.4 sq. miles is split between Jefferson and Lewis counties and is considered to be one of the oldest areas in New York which borders the Adirondacks. It is located in the northeast corner of the Town of Wilna and is east of Watertown. The name Natural Bridge was derived from the natural rock that formed over the Indian River. Natural Bridge Station is a location southeast of the community.HistoryIn 1812, a hunter Aleaser Carr crossed the Indian River on what he assumed to be a log while hunting. Much to his amazement while hunting a short time later, he again came to the river on the same side as before he crossed. After an examination by himself and a party of hunters, it appeared that he unknowingly recrossed the river on what turned out to be a limestone arch. Consequently, this is how Natural Bridge received its name. Settlement began in the area in 1818. The former king of Spain, Joseph Bonaparte, known in America as the Count de Survilliers owned land consisting of a one-mile square. After coming to look at his land in 1828, he was impressed by the limestone arch and with being so close to his lake, “Lake Bonaparte” he decided to build a second summer residence here in Natural Bridge in 1829. He resided here with his “Madame” until 1835. The house was destroyed in September 1905 in a fire that also consumed two hotels and their barns, the country store, and another dwelling house.An old story, which still proves to be a mystery today is of the Joseph Bonaparte residence. The cellar of the residence was supposedly connected by secret passage to the caverns so that if he ever needed to escape, he had this passage.To view historian pictures of Natural Bridge, NY, visit website: http://www.historic-naturalbridge.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=slideshow.Slideshow&g2_itemId=95Residents of note Joseph Bonaparte, former king of Naples and Spain, lived briefly in the community.