Herkimer County

Herkimer County is a county located in the Mohawk Valley region of New York State, bordered by Oneida County to the west, Oswego County to the northwest, Lewis County to the north, Hamilton County to the east, Fulton County to the southeast, and Montgomery County to the south. The county is named after Nicholas Herkimer, a Revolutionary War general who died from wounds suffered during the Battle of Oriskany. Herkimer County is part of the Utica-Rome, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area and is home to Herkimer College, a two-year State University of New York (SUNY) institution. The county is also served by the Herkimer County Legislature and the Herkimer County Sheriff's Office.

Geography

Herkimer County is situated in the Adirondack Mountains region, with the Mohawk River flowing through the county and providing hydroelectric power to nearby cities like Utica and Rome. The county's terrain is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and lakes, including Otsego Lake and Canadarago Lake. The New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) passes through the county, as does U.S. Route 20 and New York State Route 5. Herkimer County is also home to the Adirondack Park Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which manage and protect the region's natural resources. Nearby attractions include Howes Caverns, Cooperstown, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

History

Herkimer County was formed in 1791 from part of Montgomery County and was named after Nicholas Herkimer, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The county played a significant role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, with the Battle of Oriskany taking place in 1777. The county was also home to the Oneida Nation and the Mohawk Nation, both of which were part of the Iroquois Confederacy. Herkimer County was a major producer of cheese and dairy products in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the Herkimer County Dairy Farmers' Association and the New York State Dairy Association promoting the industry. The county is also home to the Herkimer Home State Historic Site, which commemorates the life and legacy of Nicholas Herkimer.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Herkimer County was approximately 64,000 people, with a mix of rural and urban communities. The county is home to a diverse population, with residents employed in a range of industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The county is served by the Herkimer County Health Department and the Herkimer County Office for the Aging. Nearby institutions of higher education include SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica College, and Hamilton College. The county is also home to the Herkimer County Fair and the Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival.

Communities

Herkimer County is composed of several towns, villages, and cities, including Herkimer, Little Falls, Dolgeville, and Ilion. The county is also home to several hamlets and rural communities, including Mohawk and Frankfort. The Village of Herkimer is the county seat and is home to the Herkimer County Courthouse and the Herkimer County Jail. Nearby cities include Utica, Rome, and Syracuse, which offer a range of cultural and economic opportunities.

Government

Herkimer County is governed by the Herkimer County Legislature, which is composed of representatives from each of the county's towns and villages. The county is also served by the Herkimer County Sheriff's Office and the Herkimer County District Attorney's Office. The county is part of the 22nd Congressional District of New York and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Elise Stefanik and in the New York State Senate by Joseph Griffo. The county is also home to the Herkimer County Board of Elections and the Herkimer County Department of Social Services.

Economy

The economy of Herkimer County is diverse, with major industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. The county is home to several major employers, including Remington Arms Company, Baxter International, and Mohawk Valley Health System. The county is also a major producer of agricultural products, including dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. The Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency and the Mohawk Valley Economic Development Growth Enterprise Corporation (MVEDGE) promote economic development in the region. Nearby attractions, such as Howes Caverns and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, also contribute to the county's tourism industry. The county is also served by the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce and the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce.