We're not talking about the famous Shakespearian character. We're talking about the human dwelling that's smaller than a town or village.

By original definition a hamlet was "a village without a church of its own," but has come to mean simply "a small unincorporated settlement, generally smaller than a village."

So, there are only five of these in our midst. Are you aware of them?

Located in the town of Warren, within the confines of Herkimer County. Early settlers conducted baptisms in its nearby body of water, Oquionis Creek, which reminded them of Israel's famous River Jordan, which is how our hamlet got its name. Its most recent population was 724.

 

Located near the northeastern edge of Oneida Lake, this hamlet is home to a challenging golf course. McConnelsville still has its own zip code, but lost its post office in 1994. There is no existing census data for this Central New York hamlet. Someone wanna count everybody up and give us a number?

 

The famous Adirondack hamlet lost its incorporation in 1936, but of course remains a vital vacation and tourist destination. Its population is only 756, but it swells greatly at certain times of the year.

 

Birthplace of world-famous botanist Asa Gray, the hamlet of Sauquoit is located in Oneida County and within the town of Paris. Sauquoit Valley Central School produced a string of cross-country running state titles, a remarkable achievement for a little hamlet, whose 2016 population was listed at 4,246.

 

Located west of Old Forge, in Oneida County, and in the southern portion of the town of Webb. It hosts a station on the iconic Adirondack Scenic Railroad and in 1993 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Its most recent population numbered 1,067.

 

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