German Flatts was established on March 7, 1788, and is comprised of two unique villages. The village of Mohawk was incorporated in 1844, and Ilion soon followed in 1852. With their proximity to the Erie Canal, these villages saw their share of business and industry and flourished as communities. Mohawk was home to a number of famous people, including a treasurer of the United States, a General Motors industrialist, one of the fated space shuttle Challenger crew members, and the two Keno brothers who made antiques a popular obsession on the television program Antiques Roadshow. Ilion is the birthplace of the Remington Arms Company, one of Herkimer County's oldest industries that still exists today and is known around the world. German Flatts provides an interesting snapshot of the daily life and important events in this community's fascinating history.

Susan R. Perkins is the executive director and Caryl A. Hopson is the administrative assistant at the Herkimer County Historical Society. With the help of volunteers, they have selected some of the best images from their photographic collection, as well as from the collections of community members and organizations, to create German Flatts.

The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.