Describe the strange town at the mouth of the Forest River, in The Hobbit.

The town at the end of the Forest River is called Lake-town. Lake-town, also known as Esgaroth, was created by the men from the city of Dale after it was destroyed by Smaug when he came for the treasure in the Lonely Mountain. It was built on the Long Lake, the waters of which were used as a defense for the town. The men of Lake-town are ruled over by the Master. They trade with...

The town at the end of the Forest River is called Lake-town. Lake-town, also known as Esgaroth, was created by the men from the city of Dale after it was destroyed by Smaug when he came for the treasure in the Lonely Mountain. It was built on the Long Lake, the waters of which were used as a defense for the town. The men of Lake-town are ruled over by the Master. They trade with Thranduil, the Elf-king of the Woodland Realm in Mirkwood; the barrels that hold the wine the Elves drink are what was used by Bilbo and the Dwarves to escape Thranduil's palace. Lake-town took in Bilbo and the Dwarves before they journeyed to the Lonely Mountain on their quest, though it was not out of the kindness of their hearts, but because they expected Thorin and co. to give them a reward of treasure for their troubles. They were one of the armies in the Battle of Five Armies that took place at the end of The Hobbit, on the side of the Dwarves and Elves, against the Orcs and Wargs.