National Register Listings in
Schenectady County, New York

Abrahams Farmhouse Alexandra Apartment Hotel Avery Farmhouse Barney, H. S., Building Becker Farmhouse Bishop Family Lustron House Braman, Joseph, House Brandywine Avenue School Central Fire Station Chadwick Farmhouse Chapman Farmhouse Christ Episcopal Church Christman Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary Delanson Historic District Dellemont-Wemple Farm Duane Mansion Duanesburg-Florida Baptist Church Eatons Corners Historic District Enlarged Double Lock No. 23, Old Erie Canal Ferguson Farm Complex First Unitarian Society Church Fitzgerald Building Foster Building Franklin School Gaige Homestead General Electric Realty Plot General Electric Research Laboratory George Washington Carver Community Center Gilbert Farmhouse Glen, Abraham, House Glenville District No. 5 Schoolhouse Green, Joseph, Farmhouse Halladay Farmhouse Hawes Homestead Hotel Van Curler Howard Homestead Jenkins House Jenkins Octagon House Jones, A.D. (Boss), House Jones, George Westinghouse, House Ladd Farmhouse Langmuir, Irving, House Lasher, George, House Liddle, Alexander, Farmhouse Liddle, Robert, Farmhouse Liddle, Thomas, Farm Complex Mabee House Macomber Stone House Mann, Horace, School Mariaville Historic District Mica Insulator Company Niskayuna Railroad Station Niskayuna Reformed Church North Mansion and Tenant House Nott Memorial Hall Nott Street School Proctor, F. F., Theatre and Arcade Quaker Street Historic District Reformed Presbyterian Church Parsonage Rosendale Common School Schenectady Armory Schenectady City Hall and Post Office Seeley Farmhouse Sheldon Farmhouse Shute Octagon House St. Columba School St. Mary's Catholic Church Complex Stockade Historic District Stockade Historic District (Boundary Increase) Swart House and Tavern Union Street Historic District US Post Office-Schenectady US Post Office-Scotia Station Vale Cemetery and Vale Park Wing, Joseph, Farm Complex Wing, William R., Farm Complex Yates House Young Men's Christian Association of Schenectady
The first American museum was founded in New York City in 1792. It was called the American Museum, and it was located in what is now City Hall Park.
Schenectady County, located in eastern New York, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 17th century. The region was originally inhabited by the Mohawk Native American tribe, who established settlements along the Mohawk River. European contact began in the early 1600s, when Dutch traders from the Netherlands began to explore the area. In 1661, a Dutch settlement was established, which later became the city of Schenectady.

In the late 17th century, Schenectady became an important center for fur trade and played a significant role in the colonial economy. However, the settlement was not without its hardships. In 1690, during the French and Indian War, the community was attacked and partially destroyed by a French and Native American force. This event, known as the Schenectady Massacre, resulted in the deaths of numerous residents and marked a devastating chapter in the region's history.

Schenectady County continued to grow throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The area became known for its manufacturing industry, particularly in the production of brooms, locomotives, and electrical equipment. The establishment of General Electric in the late 19th century brought significant economic growth to the region and solidified Schenectady's reputation as an industrial powerhouse.

In the 20th century, Schenectady County experienced both successes and challenges. The decline of the manufacturing industry had a significant impact on the local economy, but efforts to diversify and revitalize the region have been ongoing. Today, Schenectady County is home to a vibrant community with a mix of urban and suburban areas, and it continues to be a cultural and economic hub in eastern New York.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Schenectady County, New York.

  • 1661: Dutch explorer Arent van Curler settles in the area that would become Schenectady County.
  • 1684: Schenectady is officially incorporated as a town.
  • 1690: Schenectady is attacked and burned during the Schenectady Massacre by French and Native American forces.
  • 1772: Schenectady becomes a city.
  • 1808: The Erie Canal is completed, bringing economic growth and prosperity to Schenectady County.
  • 1828: Union College is founded in Schenectady.
  • 1886: General Electric is established in Schenectady, becoming a major employer and shaping the county's industrial development.
  • 1938: The Great Flood of 1938 devastates Schenectady County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1959: Construction of the New York State Thruway through Schenectady County begins.
  • 1978: Proctor's Theater in Schenectady undergoes restoration and reopens as a performing arts center.
  • 1990s: Schenectady County experiences economic revitalization, focusing on technology and research industries.