Visit Norwich New York

The City of Norwich New York is the county seat for Chenango County, New York. A thriving community of more than 7,000 citizens, the City has long been the home of industry and commerce, including such world giants as Procter & Gamble.

Snuggled in the picturesque hills of Central New York, Norwich is miles from the grime and congestion of sprawling metropolises, yet major cities of the Northeast US and Southeast Canada all lie within a few hours' drive. Regional access is provided via New York State Routes 12 and 23, connecting the City to the New York State Thruway, Interstate 88, Interstate 81 and State Routes 17 and 20. Important regional connections include Binghamton 40 miles to the south, and Syracuse 60 miles to the northwest. Norwich is 215 miles from New York City and 130 miles from the Capital in Albany.
Industry and artisans alike have made Norwich their home. Employers benefit from the strong work ethic of our residents. We stroll on tree lined streets, in plentiful parks, or through our multi-storied downtown shops. North and South Broad Street (Route 12) is the heart of the City and offers a wide range of shopping options centered on locally owned and operated restaurants and specialty shops. Shopping at nationwide chains is available on the city's outskirts.

We are home to numerous festivals and events, including the annual Gus Macker Basketball Tournament, Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival, Blues Fest, and Pumpkin Fest. For more information on events and activities in Norwich, check out our Resources page

Our low crime rate and friendly atmosphere continue to draw people from around the country and our designation as an Economic Development Zone by the State of New York makes us an ideal place to start or relocate a business (*New York State designation entitles new and expanding businesses to considerable tax and utility discounts, plus state & local low interest loans.)

Peaceful neighborhoods, a terrific educational system, and city services in a village setting make Norwich an idyllic place to live, work, raise a family, and enjoy one's senior years.

History of Norwich

Norwich and the surrounding region have a long history. During the 18th Century the area was dominated by the Iroquois Confederacy. The confederation of five nations consisted of the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas. Internal conflicts and European pressure eventually broke down the confederacy and many Iroquois left the area. Those remaining signed treaties with the American government ceding their land in return for goods and money.

Early settlers came largely from New England, especially Massachusetts and Connecticut. These early residents brought with them the name "Norwich," originally brought from England to Connecticut, to name their new home in New York. Norwich incorporated as a village on April 17, 1816 and incorporated as a city in 1914.

When the Erie Canal began construction in 1817, the Chenango valley and the City of Norwich were still a frontier area. The success of the Erie Canal stimulated hopes and imaginations of inland residents with the prospect of better connections to markets and supplies. Despite an adverse report by the Canal Commissioners, the New York State Legislature authorized the construction of the Chenango Canal in 1833. The Chenango Canal connected the Erie Canal just west of Utica to the Susquehanna River at Binghamton. Construction began in 1834, and the canal opened in 1837. While the canal significantly improved passenger and freight movement for the Chenango valley, it failed to increase the population or have a radical impact on the valley's economy. Ultimately, it was closed in 1878 due to declining revenues after the construction of railroads in the area.

The earliest industry in Norwich included sawmills, gristmills, woolen mills, and a hammer factory. As the area grew and manufacturing and transportation systems became more sophisticated, industry expanded to include the Norwich Furniture Company, the Norwich Silk Manufacturing Company, a piano and a violin factory and, most importantly for the long-term economic impacts on the City, the Norwich Pharmacal Company, started by the Reverend Lafayette Moore in 1885. Incorporated in 1889, it grew to be the principal industry of Norwich, manufacturing such products as Pepto-Bismol and Norwich Aspirin. Headquartered in the City, the company provided not only manufacturing jobs but a significant number of management, research, and other professional opportunities.

The City of Norwich has been through dramatic changes in the last decade. In the future it will build on its considerable assets, including historic resources, ample infrastructure, quality community services, and strong sense of community to stimulate new growth and development.