Schoharie Valley
The Schoharie Valley is a corridor that runs through Schoharie County from Schoharie, New York to Gilboa, New York.
Geography
The Schoharie Valley is made up of plains surrounding the Schoharie Creek. Within the Schoharie Valley are the towns of Middleburgh, Schoharie, Fulton, and the Hamlet of Breakabeen.
The Valley is cut in the middle by NYS Route 30.
History
The Schoharie Valley was colonized by the British in the early eighteenth century. However, the majority of the settlers were Dutch or Palatines.
The Schoharie Valley was famous for its role in the American Revolution. Battles in the Valley included those in Breakabeen, at the Old Stone Fort, and the Battle of the Lower Fort. The Valley was ransacked by Tories and loyal Indian forces during the latter portion of the war.
The Schoharie Valley's main fortress, the Old Stone Fort was used as an armory during the American Civil War.
The valley was once served by the Schoharie Valley Railroad and the Middleburgh-Schoharie Railroad.
Economy
Today, the prime industry of the Schoharie Valley is farming. The NYS Power Authority also has a hydroelectric power plant in Blenheim, New York. There is also some tourism, primarily to the Old Stone Fort, Vroman's Nose, and the Old Blenheim Bridge.
Notable residents
- Timothy Murphy, Revolutionary War Hero.
- William C. Bouck, New York Governor.
- Gabriel Bouck, Wisconsin Congressman.
- Joseph Bouck, New York Congressman.
- John McGiver, actor.
- Nicole Sullivan, actress.
Coordinates: 42°32′N 74°25′W / 42.53°N 74.41°W