Schoharie County, New York

1st Reformed Church 2 Richmondville Seminaries Abraham Sternbergh House Battle of Cobleskill Becker Stone House Birthplace of George Westinghouse Blenheim Bridge Blenheim Bridge Blenheim-Gilboa Bluebird Trail Bouck's Island Bridge No. 1 Burial Place Burial Place Camp of Cedar Swamp Capt. George Rechtmyer Captain Jacob Hager Carlisle Grove Seminary Catherine Merckley Central Bridge Cherry Valley Junction Chestnut Street Schoolhouse Civil War Nurse Col. Peter Vroman Colonel John Harper Corporal James Tanner Daniel W. Jenkins David Ellerson David Williams Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church First Lutheran Congregation Gen. Freegift Patchin Geo. Dox Tavern George Mann Tory Tavern Gerlach Dorf Gilboa Settlement Grist Mill Hartman's Dorf Here Col. John Harper Historic Main Street Tour Historic Main Street Tour Hon. John Westover Residence Hon. Jonathan Danforth Home Indian Stone Heap Indian Trail Indian Trail Indian Trail Indian Village Jacob Snyder House Jefferson Academy Johannes Ball John Richmond Kilts Manor House Methodist Episcopal Church Mill Stones Nicholas Warner Old Blenheim Bridge Old Blenheim Bridge Old Covered Bridge Old Paper Mill Old Stone Fort Museum Old Stone House Old Toll Gate Oldest Building Parker 13-Sided Barn People's College Revolution in the Mohawk Valley Rock-House Rockville Safety Follows Wisdom Schoharie Schoharie County Schoharie County Schoharie County Schoharie County Schoharie Free Movies Schoharie Junction Schoharie Valley Railroad Complex Schoharie Veterans Memorial Simeon Laraway Mill Site of Battle Site of Block House Site of Charlotteville Seminary Site Of Encampment Site of First School Site of Log Cabin Site of Middle Fort Site of Middle Fort Site of Upper Valley Fort Sloansville Smoke Generator Stone Bridge Stone Church Parsonage Stone Store Swarts Tavern Tavern The American Hotel The Creation The Floods The Gilboa Fossils The Lehman Block The Life The Long Path The Magnesia Temple and Baths The Presbyterian Church Esperance, NY The Re-Creation The Timothy Murphy Trail The Upper Fort 1777 The White Sulphur Spring Throop Drug Store Timothy Murphy Timothy Murphy Town of Blenheim Town of Broome Town of Cobleskill Town of Conesville War Memorial Town of Gilboa Town of Jefferson Town of Jefferson War Memorial Town of Sharon Village Green Vroman's Land War in Schoharie County War Memorial Warnerville Union Literary Seminary Weiser's Dorf William Beekman Mansion World Wars Memorial Clock
Schoharie County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and varied history that stretches back centuries. Native American tribes, including the Mohawk and Mohican, inhabited the region before European settlement. In 1712, a group of Palatine Germans arrived in Schoharie Valley, seeking refuge from political and religious turmoil in Europe. They established settlements and helped shape the future of the county.

During the American Revolutionary War, Schoharie County played a significant role. The area was strategically important due to its agricultural abundance. The British sought to disrupt the local food supply, leading to a series of fierce engagements known as the Schoharie Campaign. Despite destructive raids by British-aligned forces, the settlers managed to defend their homes and farms.

In the 19th century, Schoharie County experienced significant growth and development. The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation. The county's fertile soil contributed to the growth of agriculture, including dairy farming and apple orchards. The construction of railroads further improved connections to other parts of the state.

In the 20th century, Schoharie County faced challenges and changes. The Great Depression impacted the local economy, but efforts to diversify industries, such as tourism and manufacturing, helped mitigate the effects. The county also saw population shifts as younger generations moved to urban areas for better opportunities. Today, Schoharie County continues to thrive as a rural community, preserving its historical charm while adapting to modern needs.
Brief timeline of the history of Schoharie County, New York:

  • 1609 - Henry Hudson explores the area, including what is now Schoharie County, during his exploration of the Hudson River.
  • Mid-1600s - Dutch settlers begin to establish farms and settlements in the Schoharie Valley.
  • 1713 - Schoharie becomes the official name for the area, derived from the Mohawk word "eskahr," meaning driftwood.
  • 1755 - During the French and Indian War, the Schoharie Valley is targeted by Native American allies of the French, resulting in the construction of fortified German Palatine settlements.
  • 1776 - Schoharie County is established as part of Albany County, amidst the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1795 - Schoharie County becomes its own separate county in New York State.
  • 1800-1850 - The construction of the Erie Canal brings economic growth to Schoharie County, as it becomes a key transportation route.
  • Mid-1800s - The Schoharie County Fair is established, becoming an annual event celebrating agriculture and local traditions.
  • Late 1800s - Schoharie County experiences an agricultural boom with the introduction of dairy farming and increased production of hops.
  • Early 1900s - The decline of hops production and the effects of the Great Depression affect the county's economy.
  • Mid-1900s - Schoharie County attracts tourists with its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
  • 1998 - Schoharie County is severely impacted by flooding caused by Hurricane Floyd.
  • 2011 - Schoharie County suffers extensive damage due to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Schoharie County, New York.