Charlton, New York

Charlton, New York. Charlton is a town in Saratoga County, New York, United States, located within the Capital District region. The population was 4,325 at the 2020 census. The town is named for Charlton in Wiltshire, England, and is a primarily residential community with a significant agricultural history.

History

The area was part of the Kayaderosseras Patent, a large 18th-century land grant, and was first settled around 1770 by pioneers from New England and Long Island. The town was officially formed in 1792 from a portion of the town of Ballston. Early industry included several gristmills and sawmills powered by the Anthony Kill and other streams, supporting a farming economy. The Albany and Northern Railroad, later part of the Delaware and Hudson Railway, provided transportation links in the 19th century. The Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, constructed in 1804, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.2 square miles, of which 31.9 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water. The northern town line is the border of Schenectady County, and the southern boundary is Galway. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, part of the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, with the Anthony Kill being the primary watercourse. New York State Route 67 is a major east-west highway traversing the town.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 4,325 people and 1,628 households in the town. The population density was approximately 135 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White. The median household income was above the average for New York State, and a significant percentage of the adult population held a bachelor's degree or higher. The town has experienced gradual residential growth while maintaining a low population density compared to more urban parts of Saratoga County.

Government and infrastructure

Charlton operates under a Town Council form of government, with an elected Town Supervisor and council members. Key infrastructure includes the Charlton Highway Department and the Charlton Volunteer Fire Department. The town is served by the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District, with students attending Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School. Law enforcement is primarily provided by the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office and the New York State Police. The town maintains several parks and recreational facilities, including the Charlton Town Park.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with Charlton include John B. Jervis, a prominent 19th-century civil engineer who worked on the Delaware and Hudson Canal and the Croton Aqueduct. Henry O. Havemeyer, a leading figure in the American Sugar Refining Company, maintained a country estate in the town. More recently, Mike Vrabel, a former National Football League player and coach for the Tennessee Titans, resided in Charlton during his youth.

Category:Towns in New York (state) Category:Towns in Saratoga County, New York Category:1792 establishments in New York (state)