Historical Markers in
Herkimer County, New York

1834 Jail A Bridge for Boats Balloon Farm Bell Purchased 7 May 1831 Benjamin Bowen House Benton Hall Academy Benton’s Landing Brave Defenders Brockett's Bridge Challenger Memorial Culture • Hospitality Daniel Green David L. Bass Dolgeville War Memorial Early Village Burying Ground F.E. Spinner Home Fairfield Academy Fairfield Academy Fenner Farm Fort Dayton Fort Hendrick Fort Herkimer Fort Herkimer Four Wars Fred'ck Staring From This Point Gen. Nicholas Herkimer General Herkimer Camped Near This Spot. General Herkimer Takes Command General Nicholas Herkimer General Nicholas Herkimer Monument General Nicholas Herkimer's Mansion General Nicolas Herrhheimer Glennmore Hotel Heinrich Staring Henrich Staring Here Was Born Nicholas Herkimer Herkimer Home State Historic Site Herkimer Homestead Cemetery Herkimer Little-Falls Area Honor Roll Ilion Great War Memorial Ilon Civil War Memorial In Grateful Memory In Memory of the Men Innovation • Industry Ira & Joe Walker Blacksmith Shop 1798 Italian Oven John Faville Lake Shore Limited Wreck Lieutenant Adam F. Helmer Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Linus Yale Little Falls Maltanner Creek Mary Myers Masonic Lodge Masonic Temple Middleville War Memorial Mohawk River Mohawk Upper Castle Mohawk War Memorial Mohawk’s First Fire Station Mohawk’s First Public School Municipal Building Annex New Petersburgh Fort Newport Stone Arch Bridge Newport War Memorials Nicholas Herkimer Norway Baptist Church Old Forge, N.Y. Old State Road Owen D. Young Petrie’s Corners Potash Factory Public Library Revolution in the Mohawk Valley Revolution in the Mohawk Valley Route of the Little Falls Canal Shaping the City Site of Fort Herkimer Site of The Battle of Oriskany Station Site Steuben Memorial The Bateau The Cheese Business The Italian Community Bake Oven The Palatines The Street Cheese Market The Thirty-Fourth Regiment The World's Best Cheddar The Yale Lock Town of Norway Honor Roll Town of Salisbury War Memorial Trail of Scout Train Wreck Trinity Church Utica Area Veterans Memorial in Middleville Where Lt. Solomon Woodworth and His Men Fell Window on the Past Wohleben House
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.
Herkimer County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and fascinating history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mohawk and the Oneida. European settlement in the region began in the late 1700s when English and German settlers arrived. The county was officially established in 1791 and was named after General Nicholas Herkimer, a Revolutionary War hero.

During the 19th century, Herkimer County experienced rapid growth and development. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 brought economic prosperity to the region, with industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture thriving. The county also played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution, with the production of textiles, iron, and paper becoming major industries.

Herkimer County is known for its key role in the American Revolutionary War. The Battle of Oriskany, fought in 1777, was a pivotal moment in the war, leading to significant losses on both the American and British sides. The battle site, located in the county, is now a national historic landmark and attracts visitors interested in learning about this important chapter in American history.

In the present day, Herkimer County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community. It offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping in its picturesque natural landscapes. The county is also home to several colleges and universities, contributing to a thriving educational sector. With its rich history, natural beauty, and continued growth, Herkimer County remains a unique and welcoming area in upstate New York.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Herkimer County, New York.

  • 1791 - Herkimer County is established as a county in the state of New York.
  • 1804 - The village of Herkimer is incorporated.
  • 1812-1814 - Herkimer County plays a role in the War of 1812.
  • 1834 - Utica and Schenectady Railroad is completed, improving transportation in the county.
  • 1862-1865 - Many residents of Herkimer County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1906 - Construction of the Hinckley Dam is completed, creating the Hinckley Reservoir.
  • 1916 - The Herkimer County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1955 - The New York State Thruway is completed, providing easier access to the county.
  • 1998 - The Herkimer County Community College opens its doors.