From a primitive French fort visited by George Washington on his first government assignment to the birthplace of Gen. Strong Vincent, one of Gettysburg's most notable heroes, Waterford has always had its place in shaping America as a nation. Visionaries, such as Thomas King, Amos Judson, and others, invested in Waterford by building the Eagle Hotel, stores, banks, and the Waterford Academy, Erie County's first school of higher education. Lake LeBoeuf, with its beauty and great fishing, made Waterford a well-known summer resort area. Today, there are a variety of businesses and a fine farming industry, the rewards of which can be seen at the local community fair in September. The surrounding area raises extensive crops of corn, potatoes, cabbage, and soybeans, and the downtown area offers fine eating establishments along with quaint antique and gift shops.