Madrid

History

Madrid was first settled around 1801. The town was one of the four original towns created along with the county in 1802. It was formed from the town of Lisbon. The south part of Madrid was lost to form the town of Potsdam in 1806. The town gave up territory for the new town of Waddington in 1859. During the War of 1812, Madrid, due to its proximity to Canada, developed a town militia, the "South Madrid Militia". Madrid was raided by the Canadians in February 1814. After a more diverse economy, including mining and logging, the primary industry became farming, and the commercial presence is solely to support the residents. The First Congregational Church of Madrid was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and (1.25%) is water. The Grasse River flows through the town and through the hamlet of Madrid. Brandy Brook flows through the northwestern part of Madrid. Madrid hamlet lies approximately halfway between the towns of Potsdam and Waddington along New York State Route 345. Madrid is home to the Madrid Golf Course, a nine-hole public golf course located on County Route 14 near the heart of Madrid hamlet. New York State Route 310 is an east–west highway passing south of the hamlet.

Race & ethnicity