Herkimer

Herkimer is a town in Herkimer County, New York, United States. Named for General Nicholas Herkimer, a Revolutionary War hero who died following the Battle of Oriskany, the town traces its early settlement to the late 18th century and forms part of the Mohawk Valley region. The town lies along the Mohawk River and encompasses rural countryside as well as small communities.

One of its notable features is the phenomenon of Herkimer diamonds. These are natural quartz crystals that are unusually clear and often double-terminated, found in pockets within nearby dolostone formations. The crystals are commonly harvested at local mines and are a popular geologic and tourist attraction, drawing visitors who pan or mine for crystals in designated sites.

In addition to geology, Herkimer has local government typical of New York towns, with a town board and elected officials serving the residents. The area has a mix of residential areas, agriculture, and small businesses, with history tied to early American settlement and the development of the Mohawk Valley corridor. The name Herkimer is also applied more broadly to Herkimer County, which takes its name from General Herkimer and features communities in the surrounding region.