[2] The hamlet was founded in 1854 by Archibald C. McGowan and was originally known as "McGowansville".

The community is in western Herkimer County, on the eastern edge of the town of Frankfort.

It is bordered to the east by the town of German Flatts and the village of Ilion.

New York State Route 5S, a limited-access highway, forms the northern edge of the CDP, with access from Acme Road/West Main Street at the northeast corner of the community.

This article about a location in Herkimer County, New York is a stub.