The Alexandria Township Historical Association, owners
and operators of the historic 1866 Cornwall Brothers Store Museum, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We depend entirely on the financial support of donations, memberships,
and fund raising events. Come visit, become a member,
and join us for a step back in time.
Enter…… the historic 1866 stone building, the last remaining waterfront landmark of the 19th century in Alexandria Bay.
Take a step back in time!
Explore…… avenues of history of the early settlement of the river front community and commercial hub of the 1000 Islands.
Exhibits…… depict the trades, crafts and commerce of the settlers of the early village. Permanent exhibits reflect the lifestyle of the people who shaped this destination of travelers from the mid-1850s through the mid-1950s. Bi-annual feature exhibits showcase individuals and businesses which gained international recognition for this area.
Enjoy…… diverse Gallery Presentations by guest speakers, designed to educate and engage audiences in local history, folklore and architecture.
Educate…… local school groups, researchers, and avid historians by providing access to artifacts, maps, books and historical documents.
36 Market Street
PO Box 695
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
315-482-4586
info@www.alexandriahistorical.com
Getting Here:
Located in the heart of the 1000 Islands in upstate New York, we are just minutes from Interstate-81 and the Thousand Islands Bridge to Canada.
From Highway 12, turn north on Church Street, toward the River. Proceed to the stop sign at James Street and turn right on James. Almost immediately, turn left on Market Street. The Cornwall Brothers Museum and Store is two blocks on the right on Market Street. There is free parking for visitors in front of the museum.
May & June, September & October
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 am-4 pm
July & August: Open every day
Sunday through Thursday: 10 am-4 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am-6 pm
The Museum opens for the
season on May 22nd
and closes for the season
on October 11th
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CBSM1866/
and Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/cornwallbrothers/
Welcome!
Mission Statement
The mission of ATHS is to collect, preserve, and interpret historic information and artifacts representative of the town of Alexandria and river communities for the education and enjoyment of all who visit the museum.
Hours of operation
Our history in words & pictures
A sentinal of the St. Lawrence River since 1866
Timeline of events
* 1839: The first store at this site opens, serving a growing river community.
* 1852-55: Andrew Cornwall joins as a partner; a new frame building and warehouse rise to meet a booming river trade.
* 1865-66: After a devastating fire sparked by a passing vessel, the present building (1866) is constructed using locally quarried stone.
* 1906-1929: The store is incorporated, then ultimately closes during the Great Depression.
* Fall 1930-Spring 1960: The building served as the Alexandria Bay Post Office, US Customs and Immigration and US Coast Guard station.
* 1973: facing condemnation, the building is saved when the village rallies; the E.J. Noble Foundation agrees to transfer ownership to a group devoted to preservation—leading to the creation of the ATHS.
* 1975: The landmark is added to the National Register of Historic Places, the last remaining waterfront building from the Guilded Age in Alexandria Bay.
Heading 5
(For a more detailed history of the building, click here)
The Cornwall Brothers Store waterfront, circa 1890-1901
Cornwall Brothers Store, circa 1901, with Marsden House just
behind and Crossmon House in the background. Detroit Publishing Company photograph, courtesy Library of Congress American Memories collection.
Inside the store and open for business! Circa 1914
Edward Frederick Babbage, better known as "Phat Boy," was a colorful character of the early days of the Alexandria Bay riverfront. To learn more about him, click here.
Bringing it back to life:
the ATHS is born!
The ribbon cutting of the Cornwall Brothers Store Museum by the early board of the ATHS.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Abandoned, neglected, and all but forgotten, the Cornwall Brothers Store was doomed for the wrecking ball until the formation of the Alexandria Township Historical Society.
After all these years, the Cornwall Brothers Store, now the Cornwall Brothers Museum, still keeps watch over the St. Lawrence River, thanks to the continued efforts of the Alexandria Township Historical Society.
2026-Alexandria Township Historical Society-all rights reserved.