Editor’s note: This post was updated in October 2020.
One of the most challenging aspects of military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS, or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be almost overwhelming.
We here at Army Wife Network want to take some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Post With the Most series. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to Fort Drum, New York.
Fort Drum, home of the 10th Mountain Division, is an outdoor lover’s paradise with hunting, fishing, and hiking. It is situated thirty miles from Canada, with the Great Lakes to the west, the Adirondack Mountains to the east, and New York City just over five hours away.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Fort Drum is home to the following units:
- 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)
- 7th Legal Support Organization
- 10th Combat Aviation Brigade
- 10th Sustainment Brigade
- 18th Weather Squadron
- Army Field Support Battalion
- 174th Infantry Brigade
Surrounding Cities:
- Black River (8 miles)
- Calcium (9 miles)
- Carthage (10 miles)
- Watertown (13 miles)
- Antwerp (15 miles)
- Sackets Harbor (25 miles)
- Gouverneur (27 miles)
- Adams (29 miles)
- Canton (51 miles)
Closest MAJOR City: Syracuse (84 miles from Fort Drum)
Names of Area Colleges:
- Jefferson Community College in Watertown
- St. Lawrence University in Canton
Weather: There are four seasons in New York, but it feels like two because the winters are long and harsh. In May through September, the average high is above 69 degrees. December through March, the average high is below 37 degrees.
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone
SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION
To access the post website, click here.
Historical Facts/Landmarks:
HOUSING
On-post Housing is managed by Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes.
Major realty/rental companies in the area:
- Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors in Watertown
- NNY Homes in Watertown
- Jefferson Realty and Property Management in Adams
SCHOOLS
School Districts:
Indian River School District
- Elementary: Antwerp Primary (K-3), Calcium Primary (K-3), Evans Mills Primary (K-3), Philadelphia Primary (K-3), Theresa Primary (K-3), and Indian River Intermediate School (4 and 5).
- Middle: Indian River Middle (6-8)
- High School: Indian River High (9-12)
Carthage School District
- Elementary: West Carthage Elementary, Carthage Elementary, and Black River Elementary
- Middle: Carthage Middle
- High School: Carthage High School
ON-POST SERVICES
- Child and Youth Services
- Army Community Service
- PX
- Commissary
- Robert C. McEwan Library
- Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Center
- MWR
- North Country Spouses’ Club
- Chaplain & Religious Services/Organizations
OFF-POST INFORMATION
Health Care:
- Hospital: Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown and Carthage Area Hospital in Carthage.
- Urgent Care: Watertown Urgent Care in Watertown and LeRay Urgent Care in Watertown.
- General Practitioners: North Country Family Health Center, Pediatric Associates of Watertown, and Watertown Internists PC, all located in Watertown.
- Dentist: Watertown Dental Health Group and Watertown Pediatric Dentistry.
- OBGYN: John P. Barrett, MD in Watertown.
- Vision: Meade Optical and Perry Optical, both located in Watertown
Best place for beauty services:
- Beauty Bar in Watertown
Shopping malls: Salmon Run Mall in Watertown and Destiny USA in Syracuse
RESTAURANTS
Watertown:
Carthage:
Sackets Harbor:
MUST DO:
Black River:
Watertown:
Alexandria Bay:
- Boldt Castle
- Bay Drive-in Theater
- Thousand Islands Boat Tours
- Attend Pirate Days (annual event)
Sackets Harbor:
Syracuse:
SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:
Army Wife Network does not promote or endorse these groups; however, we know they can be helpful in learning about various duty stations, so they are provided for your convenience.
Installation Facebook Page: U.S. Army Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division
Military Spouse Groups:
Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:
Religious services:
SPOUSE TESTIMONIALS
“Beautiful country with lots of outdoorsy activities to do. My husband loved the fishing and hunting at Fort Drum. Winters can be harsh, so be prepared for lots of snow and black ice. The drive to New York City is not too bad. There is housing on post and off post. We loved our time there.” — Debbie C.
The Crystal Restaurant in Watertown is also a great historical spot with good food and a chill pub atmosphere; it’s in Public Square with several other restaurants and shops, including Holy Smokes Bourbon and BBQ (which was surprising to see in the northeast, but they have a really hefty portion of brisket poutine and the staff is friendly and helpful). Longway’s Diner isn’t far off post and offers a traditional hometown diner experience (the pancakes are huge).
Classy Chassy Carwash in Watertown is very close to the Salmon Run Mall and Target, and the line is often long, but the staff is expedient and keeping your vehicle clear of salt and the elements will help prevent rusting.
Thanks for the great insight, Betsy! Hope you are doing well and we miss you here at AWN!