Originally used as a hunting ground by the Mohawk Nation, Fulton County was purchased from the Mohawk and settled by American colonists. Major land transactions include the Kayaderosseras Patent of 1708, the Sacandaga Patent of 1741, and the Kingsborough Patent of 1753. The area that is now Fulton County was originally part of Albany County until 1772, when it became part of Tryon County (later renamed Montgomery County in 1784, following the Revolutionary War).
Fulton County broke off from Montgomery County on April 18, 1838, making it one of the youngest counties in New York. Fulton is named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamship, and its county seat is the city of Johnstown. Interestingly, Fulton County was known for its leather glove manufacturing, which was a major economic sector and brought workers to its factories. Today, Fulton boasts a number of beautiful natural sites, and contains part of the Adirondack Park.
When searching for records in Fulton County, a great resource would be the Fulton County Public Libraries. Information on special collections relating to local history and genealogy can be found on a separate webpage. See also listings for Gloversville, Johnstown, and Northville Public Libraries.
If you are searching in Gloversville, you should also be sure to check out the Gloversville Public Library’s Historical Reference Room. Holdings include city directories from 1864-present, high school yearbooks, cemetery records, and atlases. Regional holdings also include volumes which cover Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie, Saratoga, Albany, and Schenectady counties; the Mohawk Valley, and the Adirondacks region.
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You can purchase a copy of our Fulton County Guide on our website.