The Village of Oneonta was incorporated as a city in 1908. Oneonta's second major endeavor in its history, next to the railroad, was in the field of education. Two major colleges were founded: Hartwick College, originally Hartwick Seminary, and the Suny Oneonta, originally Oneonta Normal School. Their history is very much a part of Oneonta's past and very much part of the City's future. City of Oneonta can be characterized as a friendly community -- one that is proud of its diversity, stability and beauty. With a population of just under 14,000 people, one of the City's finest attributes is its small town atmosphere. Residents and visitors alike are attracted to Oneonta because of its friendliness, its reputation as a great place to raise a family, its safety, and the overall perception that it is a family oriented community, "where everyone knows everyone else."