Berlin, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Berlin, New York
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_just_west_of_Rensselaer_County_Route_36_(Main_Street)_in_Berlin,_Rensselaer_County,_New_York.jpg)
The center of Berlin viewed from eastbound Plank Road
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Location in Rensselaer County and the state of New York.
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| 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)
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| • Total | 1,808 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
12022
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| 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.
Contents
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 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
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.
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 | |||
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| 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
In Spanish: Berlin (Nueva York) para niños
