LEWIS

county, north-central New York state, U.S. It largely consists of a plateau region bisected roughly north-south by the Black River, with the Adirondack Mountains rising to the east. The hardwood trees of the plateau region give way to coniferous forests in the Adirondacks. Other major waterways are Lake Bonaparte and the Beaver, Moose, Indian, Independence, and Oswegatchie (west branch) rivers. In addition to Adirondack Park, which occupies the eastern border of the county, public lands include Whetstone Gulf State Park, Tug Hill State Wildlife Management Area, Fort Drum Military Reservation, and many state forest preserves. Iroquoian-speaking Oneida Indians inhabited the region when white settlers arrived to create English-speaking communities. Lewis county was created in 1805 and named for politician and American Revolutionary officer Morgan Lewis. Lowville, the county seat, is the centre of the local agricultural industry. The main economic activities are dairy farming, paper milling, and logging. Area 1,276 square miles (3,304 square km). Pop. (1990) 26,796; (1996 est.) 27,799.