Pierstown, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pierstown, New York
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 Pierstown, New York
Location in New York
Pierstown, New York
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Otsego |
| Town | Otsego |
| Elevation | 1,427 ft (435 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
13337
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| Area code(s) | 607 |
Pierstown is a small community in New York State. It is called a hamlet. A hamlet is a tiny settlement, even smaller than a village. Pierstown is located in Otsego County. You can find it north of Cooperstown. It is also west of a place called Five Mile Point. Pierstown is part of the Town of Otsego.
One important building here is the Pierstown Grange No. 793. A Grange is a local organization for farmers. It helps them share ideas and work together. This Grange is one of only three left in Otsego County. It is also a special part of the Glimmerglass Historic District. This means it is an important historical building.
Contents
A Look Back in Time: Pierstown's History
Pierstown has a long and interesting history. When the community first started, people built many mills. These mills used the power of water from Leatherstocking Creek. This creek's water eventually flows over Leatherstocking Falls.
Early Businesses and Industries
Long ago, Pierstown was a busy place. There were three sawmills that cut wood. There were also three gristmills that ground grain into flour. A special machine called a carding machine prepared wool.
Besides the mills, Pierstown had many other businesses. At different times, there were five taverns where people could eat and stay. There were three stores to buy supplies. People could also find two tanneries, which prepared animal hides. Four blacksmith shops made and repaired metal tools. There was even a pottery shop, a brewery, and a wagon shop. A factory made lead pipes, and several weaver shops made cloth.
Changes Over the Years
By the year 1886, most of these businesses were gone. Only one blacksmith shop remained. Pierstown slowly became more focused on farming. Many people worked on farms in the area.
However, like many places in upstate New York, farming began to decline. This happened in the last part of the 1900s. Today, Pierstown is a quiet residential area.
How Pierstown Got Its Name
Pierstown was named after the Pier family. They were some of the very first settlers in this area. They arrived in 1786. This land was part of what was called the Great Barrington Purchase.
There were six brothers in the Pier family. They lived together on a large property called the Brick House Farm. One of the brothers ran a tavern. Another brother, Abner, was a soldier. He fought in the American Revolutionary War.
