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.

 Map of the Area

 Historical Facts/Landmarks:

• 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum
• History of Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division

 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 Liaison Officer            

 School Districts:

• Indian River Central School District
• Carthage Central School District

 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:

• Art’s Jug
• Cam’s Pizzeria

Carthage:

• Bombay Duck Pickle Café

Sackets Harbor:

• Tin Pan Galley
• Goodfellos

MUST DO:

Black River:

• Black River Drive-In
• Black River Trail

Watertown:

• Massey Ranch
• Dry Hill Ski Area

Alexandria Bay:

• Boldt Castle
• Bay Drive-in Theater
• Thousand Islands Boat Tours
• Attend Pirate Days (annual event)

Sackets Harbor:

• Old McDonald’s Farm

Syracuse:

• Rosamond Gifford Zoo
• Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology

Lake Ontario

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:

• Army Wives of Fort Drum
• The Army Wives of Fort Drum NY

Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:

• Fort Drum Buy, Sell, or Trade

Religious services:

• Fort Drum Catholic Women of the Chapel
• Protestant Women of the Chapel Fort Drum

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.