Along Oriskany and Big Creeks: Geology, History and People

by Richard Williams

Overview

Feeding into the Mohawk River, the Oriskany and Big Creeks have sustained not only the people of Sangerfield, Franklin Springs, Clinton, Kirkland and surrounding towns but also a vibrant ecosystem. Native American Brothertown, Stockbridge and Oneida tribes were the first to thrive along the abundant waters, but European settlers soon followed, establishing towns along the banks. During the Revolutionary War, the region became the site of the Battle of Oriskany. Meanwhile, mills, agriculture, quarries and the arrival of the canal and railroad spurred economic development, and the trout fishing became some of the finest in the nation. Local historian Richard L. Williams reveals the history of the ten communities along the creeks as never presented before, alongside the geology, flora and fauna that have shaped this dynamic environment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781609490690
Publisher:	History Press, The
Publication date:	05/10/2011
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	1,057,597
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Richard L. Williams is a Clinton native who graduated in 1962 from Syracuse University with a history degree and from the State University at Albany in 1963 with a master's degree in social studies education. After serving two years as an army officer, he taught history and economics first at LaFayette High School, LaFayette, New York, and then at Whitesboro Senior High School, Marcy, New York. In 1980, he became vice-principal at Whitesboro, a position he held until his retirement in 1995. He was also on the Village of Clinton Board of Trustees between 1975 and 1987 when he was elected mayor. He held that office until 1997. Other books Williams has edited or written include the Clinton American Revolution Bicentennial Committee Booklet (1976), Clinton's Bicentennial, a Picture History (1987), Kirkland Since 1827 (2002) and Farms & Barns of Kirkland, New York (2008)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 5

Introduction 7

1 The Oriskany Creek Watershed Changes 9

2 The Stream, Creek, the Falls and Its Tributaries 17

3 The Geology under and at the Sides of the Creek 21

4 Fauna and Flora 27

5 Indians of the Creek and Valley 33

6 Military History 39

7 The Upper Reaches of the Valley 43

8 The Middle Communities 79

9 The Run to the Mohawk 109

10 Economy of the Valley 123

Conclusion 131

Appendix 133

Bibliography 135

Index 139

About the Author 143