Historical Markers in
Otsego County, New York

Abner Adams Adam HelmerÂ’s Run Authentic Oneonta Trolley Tracks Baptist Church Baptist Society Blacksmith Shop Brighton Burlington Flats Honor Roll Burlington Flats Honor Roll Camp and Fort Cardiff Giant Cattown Road Cherry Valley Massacre Cherry Valley Museum Cherry Valley Museum Cherry Valley Museum Civil War Monument Civilian Conservation Corps Clinton's Dam Colliersville Dam Colonel Alden Felled Council Rock Desert Storm Veterans Memorial District No. 1 School - Middlefield District School Doubleday Field Emancipation Day First Church First Presbyterian Church Fork Factory French War - 1757 Ganowauges Garfield Farm General Clinton's Dam General James Clinton George Croghan Gilbertsville, NY Hartwick Historic District Hartwick Seminary Hartwick War Memorial Hyde Hall Hyde Hall Covered Bridge Hyde Hall Covered Bridge Indian Grave Jedediah Peck John SleeperÂ’s Log House John Tunnicliff Jr Laurens, NY War Memorial Lieutenant Wormuth Killed Limestone Mansion Marcus Wells Michael L. Mayne Middlefield Hamlet Historical District Middlefield War Memorial Mill & Water Power Morris Village Historic District Murphy Home Natty Bumppo Oldest Church Otsego Hall Pomeroy Place Richfield Hotel Routes of the Armies of General John Sullivan and General James Clinton Seminary Church Site of Herkimer Farm Site of the First National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Spring House Sunken Island Susan B. Anthony Swart-Wilcox House The Lost Peace The Thomas R. Proctor Clock The White House Toll Gate Town of Edmeston WWII Roll of Honor Town of Maryland Civil War Memorial Tunnicliff Inn Upper Susquehanna West Burlington NY Honor Roll Westford Veterans Monument William Hulbert William Yates Worcester "Natty Bumpo"
The first recorded jazz concert took place in New York City in 1917, featuring a band led by the pianist James Reese Europe. Jazz music would go on to become a defining feature of New York's cultural scene, with legendary clubs like the Cotton Club and the Village Vanguard.
New York random facts
Otsego County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mohawk, Oneida, and Iroquois Nations. These tribes thrived in the area, utilizing the natural resources provided by the nearby lakes, rivers, and forests.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish permanent settlements in Otsego County. The most notable of these was the founding of the village of Cooperstown in 1786 by William Cooper, a prominent industrialist. Cooperstown quickly grew into a thriving community and became the county seat in 1791.

During the early 19th century, Otsego County experienced significant economic growth, largely due to the construction of the Erie Canal. The canal, completed in 1825, provided a vital transportation route for goods and people, linking Otsego County to the rest of New York State and the Midwest. This led to an expansion in agriculture, manufacturing, and trade within the county.

Throughout the 20th century, Otsego County continued to evolve and adapt to changing economic and social trends. The establishment of educational institutions, such as Hartwick College and the State University of New York at Oneonta, brought a renewed focus on education and academic research to the area. The county also became a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its natural beauty and historical attractions.

Today, Otsego County remains a vibrant community, blending its rich history with modern amenities and opportunities. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, renowned museums, and cultural events. The county's commitment to preserving its heritage is evident in the historic buildings, monuments, and museums that can still be found throughout the area. Otsego County continues to be a place where both residents and visitors can appreciate its past while looking towards a promising future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Otsego County, New York.

  • 1791 - Otsego County is established as one of the original counties in New York State.
  • 1785 - The village of Otsego, later renamed Cooperstown, is founded by William Cooper.
  • 1794 - Cooperstown becomes the county seat of Otsego County.
  • 1825 - The Erie Canal is completed, providing a transportation route through the county.
  • 1839 - The Farmers' Museum is established in Cooperstown to preserve and interpret rural artifacts.
  • 1852 - The Brooklyn Academy of Music is established in Cooperstown.
  • 1871 - The Fenimore Art Museum is founded in Cooperstown, showcasing American folk art and American Indian art.
  • 1939 - The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum opens in Cooperstown.
  • 1950s - The construction of the I-88 highway improves transportation access to Otsego County.
  • 2002 - The Cooperstown Dreams Park, a youth baseball facility, opens in Hartwick.
  • 2018 - Cooperstown celebrates its 200th anniversary as a village.