When the early colonies were formed the Dutch wanted the area so they could control the Oneida nation that lives there. The Dutch, French, and British fought over who would get control because of the fur trade. As a rich area for trapping beaver and other animals this was prime hunting and trapping grounds. The Oneida nation kept control over some of the area and traded back and forth with these countries as the colonies began to grow. Eventually the Oneida nation would move to the Western part of the state and continues to thrive there. The beaver trade would die out and the British would eventually control a part of the area too.

Hon. Michael L. Dwyer (266-4322, fax 798-5848) & Barry Donalty (266-4321; fax 791-3416), but not necessarily in that order

Criminal court here is essentially felonies only, including felony DWI cases.