Oneonta (/ˌoʊniˈɒntə/ OH-nee-ON-tə) is a city in southern Otsego County, New York, United States.

While the word "oneonta" is of undetermined origin, it is popularly believed to mean "place of open rocks" in the Mohawk language.

This refers to a prominent geological formation known as "Table Rock" at the western end of the city.

The city is surrounded by the town of Oneonta, a separate municipal and political jurisdiction.

Indigenous ancestors of Algonquin and Iroquoian-speaking Native Americans inhabited the land in the territory of Oneonta before European colonists settled in the area.

The Five Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy are believed to have emerged and gained dominance prior to the 15th century; they were in place at the time of early French and Dutch colonization.

He had secured a grant of 1,000 acres in the Susquehanna Valley, moved from German Flatts and settled about 1773 in the Oneonta Plains near the mouth of the Otego Creek.

[citation needed] The army led by General James Clinton passed through the area in order to join the Sullivan Expedition in 1779 against Iroquois settlements.

In the mid-19th century, the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad reached Oneonta, soon after was leased in perpetuity to the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company.

Published in 1891, Oneonta Memories and Sundry Personal Recollections of the Author is, as the title suggests, a combination memoir and history of Oneonta's early formation, its geography, economic fortunes, and social life.

[3] In 1896, Edgar Luderne Welch's Oneonta Historical Souvenir was published covering the new normal school and other institutions in the community.

This book is a straightforward historical account of the area which concerns itself with politics, economics, and notable events and figures.

[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.4 square miles (11 km2), all land.

It features a three-story, round corner tower, cross gabled roof, and a large, very decorative wrap-around porch with a porte-cochere.

[7] Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places are: Bresee Hall, Chapin Memorial Church, Ford Block, Fortin Site, Municipal Building, Oneonta Armory, Stonehouse Farm, Oneonta Theatre, Old Post Office, Oneonta Downtown Historic District, and Walnut Street Historic District.

[10] Damaschke Field, home of the Oneonta Outlaws of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL), is located in Neawha Park.

Until January 24, 1963, the Delaware & Hudson Railway ran a Binghamton-Albany passenger train through the town.