Echo Camp
Why it's listed
Echo Camp is a lakeside compound of rustic buildings on Long Point, Raquette Lake, in the Adirondacks. Built in 1883 for former Connecticut governor Phineas C. Lounsbury, it grew over several building seasons as new needs arose. Of its 23 buildings, 19 date from 1883 to 1925. Most are made of whole spruce logs, log slabs, cedar shingles and stretched bark, and they are grouped around the shore and reachable only by boat. The centerpiece is a tripartite lodge, a one-story log hall flanked by two-story towers, which is the only extant example of that form in the region. Other buildings include the governor's sleeping cabin, guides' house, tea house, boathouses and a carpentry shop. The camp resembles neighboring Pine Knot, developed by William West Durant, though with simpler decoration. Additions made after 1946 for use as a girls' camp reused original materials where possible, and the lake-facing views largely retain their original character.
Significance in brief: The camp is argued to be a distinctive Adirondack Great Camp and the earliest extant vernacular interpretation of the prototype William West Durant developed at nearby Camp Pine Knot. Its tripartite main lodge, inspired by Durant's early work, is the only extant example of that form in the region. Nineteen of its 23 buildings date from 1883 to 1925 and contribute to its significance.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 86002939, listed November 7, 1986. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Long Point, Raquette Lake, Raquette Lake |
|---|---|
| County | Hamilton County |
| Listed | November 7, 1986 |
| Reference number | 86002939 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1883-1925 |
| Architect / builder | Unknown |
| Architectural style | Adirondack Great Camp (rustic) |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | State, Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Occupied and in good condition, altered since 1946 for use as a girls' camp; accessible only by water. |
| Acreage | 12.5 |
| Within district | New York Central Railroad Adirondack Division Historic District |
| Coordinates | 43.82423, -74.63527 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 86002939.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5332687
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.