Albany City Hall
Eagle St. at Maiden Lane, Albany, NYA fine example of Henry H. Richardson's mature style, the Albany City Hall is a key landmark in a visually compelling and architecturally sophisticated urban environment.
The building was commissioned in 1880 to replace the old City Hall that had been destroyed by fire and therefore it dates from a period (18781883) generally considered Richardson's architectural peak. Henry-Russell Hitchcock describes the building as "one of Richardson's most Romanesque designs," but also emphasizes Richardson's wide range of sources and disregard for "archeological correctness. Thus Richardson's buildings are better described in terms of a personal style, and the Albany City Hall's banded arches, rhythmic fenestration, bold expression of materials and corner placement of the tower are characteristic features of Richardson's work often to be repeated by his followers. At the corner of the massive main structure, the two hundred foot archive tower is a harbinger of "modern architecture" in scale and verticality.
Within clear view from the City Hall steps are many of Albany's finest government and institutional buildings. On a diagonal to the northwest of City Hall looms the huge and yet whimsical State Capitol which combines as many architectural styles as architects (including Richardson) collaborated in its long term construction. The juxtaposition of the State Capitol and the City Hall affords a special opportunity to see the progression of Richardson's style from the 1870's to the 1880's. Different though the City Hall and State Capitol are in architectural styles, the exterior stone details show remarkable similarity as the same crew of stone cutters who originally came to Albany to work on the State Capitol were later hired for the sculptural details of the City Hall. Other distinguished buildings, all of which are listed on the National Register, surrounding the City Hall are the State Education Building, the old Albany Academy, the Elk Street houses and the Court of Appeals.
Local significance of the building:
The building was commissioned in 1880 to replace the old City Hall that had been destroyed by fire and therefore it dates from a period (18781883) generally considered Richardson's architectural peak. Henry-Russell Hitchcock describes the building as "one of Richardson's most Romanesque designs," but also emphasizes Richardson's wide range of sources and disregard for "archeological correctness. Thus Richardson's buildings are better described in terms of a personal style, and the Albany City Hall's banded arches, rhythmic fenestration, bold expression of materials and corner placement of the tower are characteristic features of Richardson's work often to be repeated by his followers. At the corner of the massive main structure, the two hundred foot archive tower is a harbinger of "modern architecture" in scale and verticality.
Within clear view from the City Hall steps are many of Albany's finest government and institutional buildings. On a diagonal to the northwest of City Hall looms the huge and yet whimsical State Capitol which combines as many architectural styles as architects (including Richardson) collaborated in its long term construction. The juxtaposition of the State Capitol and the City Hall affords a special opportunity to see the progression of Richardson's style from the 1870's to the 1880's. Different though the City Hall and State Capitol are in architectural styles, the exterior stone details show remarkable similarity as the same crew of stone cutters who originally came to Albany to work on the State Capitol were later hired for the sculptural details of the City Hall. Other distinguished buildings, all of which are listed on the National Register, surrounding the City Hall are the State Education Building, the old Albany Academy, the Elk Street houses and the Court of Appeals.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Adirondack Park, which covers more than six million acres in upstate New York, is the largest park in the contiguous United States. It was established in 1892 and contains more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails.
About Albany County
Albany County Timeline
Albany County, located in the state of New York, has a rich history that dates back to the early European settlement in the 17th century. The region was initially inhabited by the Mohican Native American tribe before Dutch explorers arrived in the early 1600s. In 1614, a trading post was established by the Dutch West India Company, marking the beginning of European settlement in the area.
In 1664, the English took control of the region and renamed it Albany, after the Duke of Albany, who would later become King James II. Albany became a significant center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along the Hudson River. The city's growth was further stimulated by the establishment of Fort Orange, a trading post that served as a vital link between the Dutch and Native Americans.
Throughout the 18th century, Albany County played a crucial role in the American Revolution. The city became a center of political activity, and in 1754, it hosted the Albany Congress, where representatives from several colonies gathered to discuss a unified response to the French threat. Albany was also a key transportation hub during the war, as troops and supplies moved along the Hudson River.
During the early 19th century, Albany County experienced significant industrial and economic development. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 connected Albany to the Great Lakes, allowing for increased trade and the growth of manufacturing industries. The city also became the capital of New York State in 1797, solidifying its position as a political and administrative center.
Today, Albany County continues to thrive as the heart of New York's Capital Region. It is known for its diverse culture, rich historical landmarks, and educational institutions such as the University at Albany. The county reflects a blend of its early Dutch and English colonial roots with modern urbanization, making it a fascinating destination with a deep historical legacy.
In 1664, the English took control of the region and renamed it Albany, after the Duke of Albany, who would later become King James II. Albany became a significant center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along the Hudson River. The city's growth was further stimulated by the establishment of Fort Orange, a trading post that served as a vital link between the Dutch and Native Americans.
Throughout the 18th century, Albany County played a crucial role in the American Revolution. The city became a center of political activity, and in 1754, it hosted the Albany Congress, where representatives from several colonies gathered to discuss a unified response to the French threat. Albany was also a key transportation hub during the war, as troops and supplies moved along the Hudson River.
During the early 19th century, Albany County experienced significant industrial and economic development. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 connected Albany to the Great Lakes, allowing for increased trade and the growth of manufacturing industries. The city also became the capital of New York State in 1797, solidifying its position as a political and administrative center.
Today, Albany County continues to thrive as the heart of New York's Capital Region. It is known for its diverse culture, rich historical landmarks, and educational institutions such as the University at Albany. The county reflects a blend of its early Dutch and English colonial roots with modern urbanization, making it a fascinating destination with a deep historical legacy.
Albany County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Albany County, New York.
- 1683 - Albany County is officially established by the Province of New York.
- 1777 - Albany County becomes a strategic location during the American Revolutionary War.
- 1791 - The city of Albany is incorporated and becomes the county seat.
- 1800s - Albany County experiences rapid industrialization and becomes a center for trade and transportation.
- 1812 - The War of 1812 brings increased military activity to the county.
- 1825 - Erie Canal opens, connecting Albany County to the Great Lakes and boosting the local economy.
- 1846 - Albany County is divided, creating the separate county of Rensselaer.
- 1883 - The State Capitol building in Albany is completed.
- 1936 - The Albany County Airport (now Albany International Airport) opens.
- 1972 - The Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza is completed in Albany.
- 1998 - Albany County celebrates its 315th anniversary.