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Cape Vincent residents are proud of their history, which began with Indigenous use of the land for hunting and temporary living before European arrival. The first documented European contact was in 1615 with Samuel de Champlain. French missionaries and traders followed in the 17th and 18th centuries, but no permanent settlements were established. Beginning in 1760, the British had a presence on Deer Island (renamed to Carleton Island in 1778) including shipyards and a strategic base at Fort Haldimand that was transferred to Kingston, Ontario in 1788.
Organized settlement began in the early nineteenth century. Land speculator James LeRay de Chaumont played a key role, attracting wealthy French expatriates fleeing the French Revolution, some with connections to Napoleon.
At that time this area was part of the Town of Lyme. The village of Cape Vincent was commissioned in 1809 and named after LeRay's son. Its strategic location near Kingston, Ontario, led to early commercial development, including a ferry service in 1807. Despite some inhabitants leaving during the War of 1812 due to its vulnerable position, the village grew after the war, including acquisition of Carleton Island from the British.
Growth continued with several hamlets being established: Rosiere and the French Settlement, Millens Bay, and St. Lawrence Corners.
The 1800s saw rapid development with the extension of the State Road and the establishment of the Town of Cape Vincent in 1849 and the Village in 1853. The completion of the Cape Vincent and Rome Railroad in 1852 spurred economic growth, complementing the existing ferry service. While agriculture, especially dairy farming, was central, the late 19th century saw the rise of tourism, capitalizing on the "Thousand Islands."
Four of the islands are within the Town of Cape Vincent: Fox, Grenadier, Carleton and Linda.
By 1900, Cape Vincent was a bustling town with diverse businesses and occupations, though agriculture remained important. Landmarks include the Tibbets Point Lighthouse (1826), the "Stone House" (Civil War era), St. Vincent of Paul's Catholic Church (1851), the Cape Vincent Community Library (site of a planned Napoleon refuge), and the NYS DEC Fisheries Research Station (1856). The breakwater was completed in 1906, creating a safe harbor. Many historic limestone homes dot the area.
Education evolved from 17 one-room schoolhouses to centralized schooling, culminating in the consolidation with Clayton in 1972 to form the Thousand Islands Central School.
Since 1968, the annual French Festival Day celebrates the area's French heritage. The Cape Vincent Historical Museum is located in a historic stone building that served as barracks during the War of 1812 and later as a foundry.
Despite its serene atmosphere, Cape Vincent is considered a hub of local activity, close to the amenities of Watertown. Numerous community organizations thrive, offering activities year-round.
Locally, there are many organizations with active membership. These include Church Societies, Parent-Teacher Organization, Youth Commission, Lion's Club, Knights of Columbus, Study clubs, Firemen, Fire Dept. Auxiliary, Ambulance and Emergency Squad, American Legion, and American Legion Auxiliary, Chamber of Commerce, Improvement League, Arts Council and numerous others. For those who belong to a number of these organizations, the winter months particularly are filled with various activities. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, skating, ice boating, cross country skiing are popular with Cape Vincent residents during the winter months also.
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