General Jacob Brown
Jacob Brown was born on May 9, 1775 in Bucks
County Pennsylvania. He became a teacher
and land surveyor.  As a young man of 24
Jacob set out for the North Country in February
1799, settling on a creek he named  Philomel.
He immediately began clearing land for a 20-
foot-square family cabin.  By October the clearing
for what would become the Village of Brownville
was well underway.

In December 1802 Jacob married Pamela Williams,
with whom he would have 9 children. Although
without formal military training, he was
appointed Captain, then Colonel of the 108th
Regiment of the New York Militia at the onset of 
the War of 1812.  In the spring of 1811, as Brigadier
General, he was charged with defending the frontier
from Oswego 300 miles to St. Regis  with 600
untrained men.  He maintained postwar headquarters
at his home from 1815 to 1821 before moving to
​Washington.  He died there on February 24, 1828.

Brown Mansion
Brownville's historical heart is the Generals Georgian
Mansion.  Built from 1811 to 1815 native limestone
frames this 22 room home.  Local woods contributed
pine and cedar for floors, oak for the main entrance.
Each room has a fireplace.  4 chimneys dominated the 
roofline along with eyebrow windows. It served as Army war and post-war headquarters. General Brown hosted President James Monroe here in August 1817. Brownville became an incorporated village on April 5, 1828. It is one of Jefferson County's oldest communities. The mansion
now houses the village office, library and community center. 

Welcome to the Village of Brownville
The Village of Brownville is a small community within Jefferson County made up of approximately 1600 residents. This small village is located on the Black River nestled between the Villages of Glen Park and Dexter. The village has several small shops such as a pizza shop, a Stewarts,  an auto shop, a library and post office.  The Village is also close to Jefferson Community College,  Watertown International Airport and about 20 minutes from Fort Drum.

GENERAL JACOB BROWN

BROWN  MAnsion