Ilion

Ilion, village, Herkimer county, central New York, U.S. It lies on the Mohawk River and the New York State Canal System, adjacent to Mohawk village, 11 miles (18 km) southeast of Utica. Settled in 1725 by Palatinate Germans, it was known successively as German Flats, Morgan’s Landing, and Remington’s Corners before incorporation as Ilion (for ancient Ilion, or Ilium [Troy]) in 1852. Completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 spurred its industrial growth. About the same time, Eliphalet Remington perfected the rifle, and his armoury, built in 1828 beside the canal, was the forerunner of a vast arms industry. The demand for Remington weapons supported the community and the surrounding villages.

Production of firearms by the Remington Arms Company remains the main industry in Ilion; winter clothing is also manufactured there. Almost every type of firearm made by the company is displayed in the Remington Arms Museum. Remington Industries also introduced the first practical typewriter in 1873. Further diversification led to the development of Univac computers. Herkimer County Community College, part of the State University of New York system, was established at Ilion in 1966 and later moved to nearby Herkimer. Pop. (2000) 8,610; (2010) 8,053.