Little Falls in Herkimer County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Street Cheese Market
"Little Falls is the Greatest Place for Cheese"
America's #1 Cheese Market
The first cheese market in the United States was established in 1861 at Little falls. From April through December, local farmers, cheese factory representatives, and brokers for major American and English markets gathered at Ann and Albany street to sample cheeses and negotiate prices.
From 1864-1870, Little Falls was the largest interior cheese market in the world. It remained a center for cheese production well into the twentieth century.
America's first Dairy Board of Trade was established here in 1871. Essentially a producer organization, the board coordinated the sales and distribution of dairy products nationwide. It was soon emulated by other associations.
A Record Day for Cheese
Once a farmer of factory sold the week's production, their wooden boxes of cheese were shipped out to the purchasing company. On a single day in 1866 over 380,000 pounds of Herkimer County cheese were delivered to the railroad depot. Double rows of cheese laden wagons lined the street for a quarter-mile in each direction. In the course of of the average season, from twenty-five to thirty million pounds of cheese were sold here in Little Falls.
Erected by Little Falls Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 43° 2.571′ N, 74° 51.56′ W. Marker is in Little Falls, New York, in Herkimer County. Marker is at the intersection of South Ann Street and Albany Street, on the right when traveling north on South Ann Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Little Falls NY 13365, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shaping the City (a few steps from this marker); Window on the Past (within shouting distance of this marker); The World's Best Cheddar (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cheese Business (within shouting distance of this marker); Route of the Little Falls Canal (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Bridge for Boats (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lafayette's Tour (approx. 0.2 miles away); Benton’s Landing (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Little Falls.
More about this marker. Two other markers about cheese are at this location
Also see . . . First Cheese Market Exhibit. An exhibit at the Little Falls Historical Society (Submitted on March 19, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 312 times since then and 130 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 19, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.