Settled after the Revolutionary War by
farmers, soldiers, and tradesmen looking for adventure and new
lands, McDonough was
named for Commodore Thomas MacDonough. The
Commodore gained fame in the War of 1812 at the
Battle of Lake Champlain.
The first settlers found the land
densely covered with beech, maple, black cherry, basswood and ash.
The abundance of game and fish in the forests and streams provided
both food and danger from larger animals like bear and wild cat.
McDonough woodsmen quickly became experienced marksmen from the
necessity of providing food and protecting family and homes.
The town was formed from Preston in April 1816. Today, the community
still values its historical roots. The Calvary Episcopal Church on
North Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
and a cooper's shop still bears its original sign.
Early settlers built log cabins for
the first years. The first farm house was built around 1800 and the
first frame house was built in the hamlet in 1818.
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