We are located in southeastern Oneida County, at the crossroads of New York State Route 8, and US Route 20.  The section of present-day Route 8 which passes through Bridgewater was once part of the Utica to New Berlin Plank Road.  The Great Western Turnpike, later called the Cherry Valley Turnpike, evolved into Route 20.  The village was incorporated in 1825, and later reincorporated in 1897, under General Municipal Law.  The population of the village as of the 2000 Census was 579.

Village of Bridgewater voters made history in 1974, when Everett Holmes was elected mayor.  Mayor Holmes was the first African American elected mayor in New York State history.  Mayor Holmes received a letter of congratulations from President Richard Nixon.  Holmes served twice, from 1974 to 1976, and from 1978 until his death in 1982. Upon his death, State Senator James Donovan sponsored a resolution in the New York State Senate, both mourning Mayor Holmes’ death, and recognizing his historic accomplishment and his community involvement. 

The offices of the Village of Bridgewater are located in the Everett Holmes Building, which is the former home of the Holmes Family.  State Senator Donovan’s resolution is on display there.