TOWNS & VILLAGES: Berkshire

Town of Berkshire History
By
Nancy Hunt, Historian

The Town of Berkshire was originally settled in 1791 as Brown’s Settlement and encompassed all of present Berkshire, Newark Valley and Richford. Its size is 30.2 square miles, with a population of 1366 and is located in the northern part of Tioga County. It is bisected by NYS Route 38, running north-south parallel to the east branch of the Owego Creek. The area is frequently referred to as being “centrally isolated,” as Berkshire is about equidistant from Cortland, Ithaca and Binghamton in the central upstate region.

Berkshire is rural in nature with several active dairy farms and a variety of other agricultural enterprises. The primary industry is a sawmill, and there are several cottage industry endeavors in town. Most residents commute to neighboring industrial cities for employment. The crime rate is very low and education in the Newark Valley Central School System is generally considered first rate. The summers are relatively cool and there is ample opportunity for winter outdoor activities.

Berkshire History Timeline

1791 - First settlers at Brown’s Settlement
1796 - First school held in Ball’s Shoe Shop
1808 - Brown’s Settlement becomes Berkshire; First Town meeting held
1813 - First School District established
1825 - Methodist Church organized
1828 - Westfield (Newark Valley) split from Berkshire
1831 - Arlington (Richford) split from Berkshire
1845 - Brookside Seminary (boys) & Awaga Valley Seminary (girls)
1850 - First school built
1875 - Population at 1302
1885 - Edward R. Eastman born
1902 - High School opened
1904 - Reading Club organized
1920 - Berkshire Free Library established
1937 - Berkshire Grange organized
1913 - Volunteer Fire Department organized
1986 - History Buffs organized
1990 - Population at 1303
1999 - Berkshire Comprehensive Plan adopted
2000 - Population at 1366

Nancy Hunt can be reached at:

(607) 657-4416

Back to Berkshire General Info