Settled in 1803, Potsdam became a prosperous village in large part to the Sandstone quarried from the banks of the Raquette River. When the quarries were flooded in 1922, Potsdam slowly changed into a village of education. The enrollment of the two local colleges, Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam, steadily increased and now the majority of residents in Potsdam are college students. Potsdam offers many opportunities for entertainment through local businesses, restaurants, and cultural events.