Stockade Historic District
a.k.a. See Also:Stockade Historic District (Boundary Increase)
Roughly bounded by Mohawk River, RR tracks, and Union St., Schenectady, NY Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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 New York City subway system, which opened in 1904, was the first rapid transit system in the world. The original line ran from City Hall to 145th Street in Harlem.
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.
Schenectady County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.