Schoharie County Court

In 1845, the County Courthouse burned to the ground when a prisoner tried to escape by setting fire to his cell door, when the flames got out of hand. Fortunately, the sheriff, whose living quarters were on the floor below, heard the commotion, raised the alarm and evacuated his family. And the prisoner did succeed in escaping his cell - secured by the sheriff, in chains. Which should exemplify the persistance of the county officers.

Settled around 1712 by the Palatine Germans, and later the Dutch from Rensalaerwyke, residents now decend from English, Scots, Irish, Welsh, Canadian ancestors, as well as all of Europe, Scandinavia & Russia. The Palatine women bought a pregnant mare, and shared her with their neighbors, who formerly had to plow by hand and walk to Schenectady to grind their grain. The spirit of neighbor helping neighbor continues with the county branch of Habitat for Humanity, as well as the many service organizations. Rich in history (The Old Stone Fort, built in the 1750's as the Dutch Reformed Church, in 1777 it became the Lower Fort, the 3rd in a series of fortifications against the Indian & Tory attacks; Blenheim Covered Bridge, longest covered single span in the world; Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum, displaying the history of the county's railroad from the 1850's to the 1930's) and natural wonders (Howe's Caverns, limestone caverns of great depth & beauty, with guided tours for the tourist and the experienced spelunker; The Long Trail North, a foot trail running from the George Washington Bridge to the Mohawk River) Schoharie County has much to offer to both residents and visitors.

Hon. George R. Bartlett III

District Attorney James Sacket (Depot Lane, PO Box 888 Public Safety Facility, Schoharie, NY 12157 Tel: 518-295-2272; FAX: -2273) Assistant DA's: Susan J. Mallery, David Lapinel & Michael Breen).