Albany, New York

History

Albany was one of the earlier permanent settlements in the thirteen original American colonies. Its colonial history began when Englishman Henry Hudson, exploring for the Dutch East India Company on the Half Moon, reached the area in 1609. In 1614, the company constructed Fort Nassau, its first fur trading post near present-day Albany. Commencement of the fur trade provoked hostility from the French colony in Canada and amongst the native tribes, who vied to control the trade. In 1624, Fort Orange, was established in the area. Both forts were named in honor of the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau. Nearby areas were incorporated as the village of Beverwyck in 1652.

Related Topics:
American colonies - Henry Hudson - Dutch East India Company - Half Moon - 1609 - 1614 - Fort Nassau - Fur trading - Canada - 1624 - Fort Orange - Orange-Nassau - Beverwyck - 1652

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When the land was taken by the English in 1664, the name was changed to Albany, in honor of the Duke of York and Albany, who later became King James II of England and James VII of Scotland. Duke of Albany was a Scottish title given since 1398, generally to a younger son of the Scottish King. The name is ultimately derived from "Alba," the Gaelic name for Scotland.

Related Topics:
English - 1664 - James II - Scotland - Duke of Albany

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Albany received a charter as a city in 1686.

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In 1754, representatives of seven of Britain's North American Colonies met in the Albany Congress. Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania presented the Albany Plan of Union, the first formal proposal to unite the colonies. Although it was never adopted by Parliament, it was an important precursor to the U.S. Constitution. Albany native Philip Livingston was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Related Topics:
1754 - Albany Congress - Benjamin Franklin - Pennsylvania - Albany Plan of Union - Philip Livingston - Declaration of Independence

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In 1797, the state capital of New York was moved from Kingston to Albany, about 50 miles north.

Related Topics:
1797 - Kingston

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The City's location on the Hudson River made it a center of transportation from the outset. In 1807, Robert Fulton initiated a steamboat line from New York City to Albany. On October 26, 1825 the Erie Canal was completed, forming a continuous water route from the Great Lakes to New York City. The Mohawk and Hudson Railroad between Albany and Schenectady, New York opened on September 24, 1831 and subsequently became part of the New York Central Railroad.

Related Topics:
Hudson River - 1807 - Robert Fulton - Steamboat - New York City - October 26 - 1825 - Erie Canal - Great Lakes - Mohawk and Hudson Railroad - Albany - Schenectady, New York - September 24 - 1831 - New York Central Railroad

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