| It was on March 22nd, 1822 that
legislation was signed creating the Town of
Wilmington.
177 years ago our town was part
of the Town of Jay.
However, when the founding fathers broke allegiance to our neighboring
community of Jay, the name of Wilmington was
not their first choice. The forefathers wanted the town to be known as
Danville. However,
there was already a Danville, New York so the name of Wilmington
was chosen.
Bridge in Center of Town
Wilmington,
by many standards, has had a very full and colorful history from the evolution
as a pioneer village, to a hospitaliy mecca in the 1900's through the early
70's. This community continues to endure.
One person that has been credited
with doing much for our community is MR. Reuben
Sanford. It is believed that Sanford
settled in Wilmington
around 1812. At that time, he was virtually the town's whole economic life.
Some of the businesses Mr.
Sanford started included iron manufacturing
on the river, a sawmill, gristmill, store and a starch factory.
In January, 1823 Sanford
was appointed the 1st Postmaster of Wilmington.
He also served as Wilmington Town Supervisor
for two terms. On the state level, he represented our area on both the
State Assembly and
Senate.
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