Saratoga County village the oldest in the country

WATERFORD, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Capital Region has a vast history. As some may or may not know, this area is also home to the oldest village in the United States.

The village of Waterford in Saratoga County, having been incorporated in 1794, is the oldest continuously incorporated village in the country, according to its website. An incorporated village is a municipality that is a self-governing body under state law and includes having elected officials.

The village of Waterford is located in the southeastern part of the Town of Waterford. The village includes several restaurants along Broad Street, the Waterford Police Department, and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Park.

Right on the intersection of where the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers meet, the village is considered "the Gateway to the Erie Canal systems," said the website. In the 17th century, the site was occupied as "Half Moon Point" and was then in the territory of the Mohican natives.

Waterford derives its name from being a “ford” or crossing between Peebles Island and the mainland of Waterford, said the website. The canal is home of the "Waterford Flight," which is the highest set of lift locks in the world.

Each year, Waterford holds its annual Canal Festival, which marks the opening of the New York State canal season. The festival includes boats along the canal, activities, live music, food, and more. This year's Canal Festival takes place on May 18 and 19.

The weekend after Labor Day, the annual Tugboat Roundup is held in Waterford as a gathering of tugboats, workboats and barges to celebrate maritime heritage. The festival includes a tug parade, tug tours, boat rides, tug talks, competitions, fireworks, children's activities, vendors, food, and more. This year, the Tugboat Roundup is set for September 6 through 8.