The Town of Lewis, incorporated in 1805, was named for the third Governor of New York, Morgan Lewis. Located in northern central Essex County, Lewis is a small community known more for its peaceful ambiance than for its industry or tourism. It is located in the Adirondack Mountains, providing many recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, trapping, camping, and cycling. Logging and mining are the major source of employment in Lewis. A Wollastonite mine is located within the town lines. The Essex County Government Center in Elizabethtown is a large employer of local people, as is the Elizabethtown Community Hospital.