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Berlin, New York
The center of Berlin viewed from eastbound Plank Road
The center of Berlin viewed from eastbound Plank Road
Location in Rensselaer County and the state of New York.
Location in Rensselaer County and the state of New York.
Country United States
State New York
County Rensselaer
Area
 • Total 59.91 sq mi (155.18 km2)
 • Land 59.60 sq mi (154.35 km2)
 • Water 0.32 sq mi (0.83 km2)
Elevation
961 ft (293 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,808
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
12022
Area code(s) 518
FIPS code 36-06189
GNIS feature ID 0978727

Berlin is a small town in Rensselaer County, New York, United States. In 2020, about 1,808 people lived there. The town is named after Berlin in Germany. However, people in Berlin, New York, say the name differently, with the stress on the first part: "BUR-lin."

This town is located on the eastern side of Rensselaer County.

History of Berlin, New York

The town of Berlin was first settled around 1765. It officially became a town in 1806. It was created from the nearby town of Petersburgh. Berlin is one of many towns in New York with a German name.

A sad event happened in Berlin on July 25, 1962. A large truck carrying 7,000 gallons of propane crashed and exploded in the town. This tragic accident caused several deaths, including the truck driver.

Geography and Nature

Berlin Mt.
Berlin Mountain, also known as Macomber Mountain, seen from Cowdry Hollow Road in Berlin.

Berlin covers a total area of about 59.9 square miles (155.18 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a small part being water.

The highest point in Berlin is Berlin Mountain. It stands 2,818 feet (859 meters) tall. This mountain is located near the border with Massachusetts in the Taconic Mountains. The Taconic Mountains create a natural barrier on the eastern side of the town. Because of these mountains, there are no roads that directly connect Berlin to Massachusetts. The western part of Berlin is a high, flat area called the Rensselaer Plateau.

The eastern border of the town is also the border of the state of Massachusetts.

Berlin is also where the Poesten Kill river begins. It starts at Dyken Pond, which is in the northwestern part of the town.

Neighboring Towns and Areas

2021-09-28 16 41 46 "Welcome to Berlin, Established 1806" sign along southbound New York State Route 22 in Berlin, Rensselaer County, New York
Welcome sign on NY 22 southbound.

Berlin shares its borders with several other towns. To the south is the Town of Stephentown. To the north is the Town of Petersburgh.

On the western side, you'll find the Town of Sand Lake and the Town of Poestenkill. To the east, across the state line, are the towns of Williamstown and Hancock in Berkshire County, Massachusetts.

Economy and Jobs

In the past, Berlin was mainly known for its dairy farms. Many of these farms have been divided into smaller properties over the last few decades. Today, Berlin mostly serves as a "bedroom community." This means many people who live in Berlin travel to work in the larger Albany area.

However, Berlin still has some important local businesses.

WJ Cowee, Berlin, New York
WJ Cowee in Berlin, New York.

Like many small towns, Berlin has relied on a few main employers for jobs. These include W.J. Cowee, LLC, which makes wood products. Another key business is the Henry J. Seagroatt Co., which grows and sells flowers and related supplies. In nearby Petersburgh, NY, there's a high-tech company called Taconic. They make special materials like PTFE for different industries around the world.

Population and People

Historical population
Census Pop.
1820 1,986
1830 2,019 1.7%
1840 1,794 −11.1%
1850 2,005 11.8%
1860 2,223 10.9%
1870 2,088 −6.1%
1880 2,202 5.5%
1890 1,704 −22.6%
1900 1,677 −1.6%
1910 1,615 −3.7%
1920 1,305 −19.2%
1930 1,359 4.1%
1940 1,402 3.2%
1950 1,409 0.5%
1960 1,329 −5.7%
1970 1,562 17.5%
1980 1,696 8.6%
1990 1,929 13.7%
2000 1,901 −1.5%
2010 1,880 −1.1%
2020 1,808 −3.8%
U.S. Decennial Census

According to the 2000 census, there were 1,901 people living in Berlin. These people lived in 729 households, and 500 of those were families. The town had about 31.9 people per square mile.

Most of the people in Berlin were White (98.42%). A small percentage were Native American or from other backgrounds. About 2% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

In terms of age, about 27.9% of the people were under 18 years old. About 13.6% were 65 years or older. The average age in Berlin was 38 years.

The average income for a household in Berlin was $34,875. For families, the average income was $42,464. About 16% of the population lived below the poverty line. This included 19% of those under 18.

Places in Berlin

  • Berlin – This is the main village, or hamlet, of Berlin. It is located on NY State Route 22. It used to be called "North Berlin" when it was settled around 1800.
  • Bucks Corner – A small hamlet where County Routes 40 and 41 meet. It is in the western part of the town.
  • Center Berlin – Another hamlet located south of the main Berlin village, also on NY State Route 22.
  • Cherry Plain – A hamlet found in the southern part of the town, along NY State Route 22.
  • Cherry Plain State Park – A state park located in the southwestern part of Berlin. It's a great place for outdoor activities.
  • Dyken Pond – A small lake in the northwestern part of the town.
  • Round Pond – A private pond located in the western part of Berlin.
  • Spring Lake – A private lake also found in the western part of the town.

Climate

Berlin has a climate with big changes in temperature throughout the year. Summers are usually warm to hot, and often humid. Winters are cold, and sometimes very cold. This type of weather is known as a humid continental climate.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Berlin (Nueva York) para niños

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