Introduction:
In the Colonial History of North America, Albany was one of the first urban or 'pre-urban' population centres. Albany & New York City were both considered the early cities in New York State. Incidentally, these cities also form the North-South extremities of the Hudson River, defining an inland waterway transport system.
Hudson River Route
Source: American Cruise Line
Clusters of colonial settlements sprang along the river length. Due to the prominence of its geographical location, it opened up as American inland trade. This also led to years of rivalry between the English & Dutch colonists over the control of the river and settlements along it.
A Colonial Urban Center - Earliest Settlements in Albany
Other early American urban centres included Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Charleston and New Port. By 1786, Albany was the sixth-largest city in the United States.
Background: Location & Origins
Albany is located on the Western Bank of the Hudson River. The first site of Albany - Castle Island was first inhabited by Native American People - The Mohawks and the Mohicans. In the early part of the seventeenth century, the Dutch established trading houses near the present city of Albany.
Urban History & Evolution:
The origin of the city traces back to the voyage of explorer Henry Hudson. He was sponsored by the Dutch East India Company to seek a water route to India and China by sailing westward. However, he sailed inward along the river in 1609, which now bears his name - Hudson.
1614 - Beginning of Dutch Colonialism in North America
Five years later, The New Netherland Company established Fort Nassau as a trading post. It was the first recorded European Structure in New York State by the Dutch on Castle Island.
Fort Nassau is said to have been a structure that was 11m long and 7.9 m wide. It was enclosed by an 18 m square stockade. This was surrounded by a 5.5 m wide moat. The fort was defended by two large cannon and eleven swivel guns. The fort was garrisoned by 10-12 men. The fort was constructed of wood surrounded by earthen works.
The Trading House, 1615 - A Speculative View by Artist L Tantillo
The artists' rendition for the scene was from the point of view of the small number of Dutch sailors who had travelled far from home. The distinctive features of the foreground include the emphasis on a clear hilly, wetland. The Dutch workers are seen cutting wood. We can even see a Native American, a Mohawk quite possibly either passing by or visiting for trade. On a closer glance, one can observe a moment where the two men exchange curious glances.
The island flooded every year. By 1617, the fort was abandoned and rebuilt on a nearby secure prominence. It was at the new fort, that the Dutch signed a treaty with the Native Americans. In 1618 a flood destroyed the new fort.
In its existence, the fort has not been surveyed or documented on any map. However, historians and artists' oral histories and artistic visualization efforts provide a proximate account of its location and life.
1624 to 1664 - Fort Orange
In 1624, the Dutch set up Fort Orange. It was located on the western bank of the Hudson River, south of the future site of Albany. The new fort was about a few kilometres from the location of Fort Nassau.
The Dutch West India Company built similar structures to serve as their headquarters in many parts of their worldwide trading empire. The fort was a small, wooden structure with four bastions. It was the Company's official outpost in the upper Hudson Region.
Location of Fort Orange, 1624
Community - The New Netherland Dutch:
The term is referred to Early European Colonial Settlers in the areas that later became the states of Delaware, New York and New Jersey. The region entirely is termed - The New Netherland.
The settlers of New Netherland represented a range of European backgrounds, not necessarily or technically of Dutch ancestry. They were recruited by the West India Company from the provinces of the Dutch Republic, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, from the German states, France, the other countries of continental Europe, and from England, Scotland, and Ireland. All of them were transported across the Atlantic in support of Dutch commercial initiatives
Fort Orange and the Patroon House
Here we see the trading fort that was operated by the Dutch. There are several timber-framed houses and a courthouse with a pavilion roof and cupola. The fort was surrounded by a stone-lined moat on all four sides and accessed via a bridge through the main gate which faced the river. The diamond-shaped bastions on the corners of the fort were earthen filled and served as elevated platforms for cannons.
To the right of the fort, the most prominent structure, a long wooden building, served as the Patroon’s house and the church. It was of simple timber construction also with a straw roof.
Castle Island, 1645
During the 17th century, the North River (Hudson River) was the primary trading route inland for the Dutch colonial possession of New Netherland. The river connected the settlement of Fort Orange (Albany) with the major transhipment hub of New Amsterdam (New York City). Dutch vessels carried cargos of furs and trade goods up and down the Hudson regularly.
Kaaterskill Ketch on the shores of Hudson River, 1645
The Ketch depicted here is a type of vessel constructed by the Dutch. It is based on the research inferences by noted maritime historian, William A. Baker, from his book "Colonial Vessels."
The Dutch Reform Church - the 1650s to 1805
This was one of the first community church in Albany. It also provided Social Community Services
Community Economy: The first communities that lived here were included the farmers and the fur traders. Eventually, it led to three forms of economy.
1 - Commercial Economy (Primary) - The included the fur trading community called the Beverwycks
2 - Production Economy (Industries)- This included the makers & fixer including food production (such as farming, brewing & baking) and the artisans.
3 - Service Economy - Providing all kinds of services including transporters, and those who provided food & lodging, storage & dock facilities and finally those providing legal services
Dutch Merchant Ship - 'Flower of Gelderland' at Anchor (Fort Orange in the Background), 1652
By the 1650s the Dutch settlement of Fort Orange and Rensselaerswyck had evolved into a thriving community of great diversity. This included agricultural development, lumber production, brick-making, brewing, and shipbuilding. Hence, new immigrant colonists mostly from the Netherlands arrived regularly.
1676 - British Colonialism
About two years after gaining control over Albany, the English abandoned Fort Orange and built their own fort. They shifted the location of the fort. It was built on higher ground, compared to the other forts for three reasons - to avoid the seasonal flooding, as a military advantage overlooking the panorama and as a symbol of political dominance.
Bird's Eye View of Albany 1686
The city comprising of an urban extent, planned settlements and trading ships. The British Fort can be seen (topmost) overlooking the native settlements.
1686 - Establishing Albany as a City
The Dongan Charter of Albany, September 1686
The Charter established the city of Albany & defined its political boundaries and set up a city corporation.
It acknowledged the growth and development of an early American city in the centre of a large and emerging agricultural region. It also provided the fur traders with unique rights & responsibilities who were the reason for this development. It authorized Albany as the sole market town in the upper Hudson Region. It provided the city to acquire tracts of land from neighbouring counties.
1695 - Planned Quarters outside the Fort Limits
Albany 1695, by John Miller
Here we observe the shifted location of the fort. The city centre is now bound sep-angularly. Within the stockade, we observe - the grid planning system. It is also observed that the main entrance to the city is from the south and not from the river itself.
The stockade along the river is the longest. It has openings to transfer goods into the city that arrived from the cargo ships. They lead into the city through arterial streets
Significance of religious institutions in the planning - There are two churches, one located at the intersection of two major streets. The other is at a secluded location considering that it also has a burial site.
Albany 1698, Roemer Map
The map provides a geophysical context to the city. It also identifies the surrounding local areas that include agricultural fields.
The Governor's Arrival, 1748
The image depicts the Governor's Ship journeying to Albany to ally with the Native Indians. The ship is carrying gifts for the Indians. It also bears the Colonial Flags.
1758 - New Urban Visions & Extending Urban Limits
Albany 1758
This map was produced by the British Army. It shows the fortified city and the forest land extent. The land along the river shore has been cleared for farmlands (left) and housing settlements along the road from the city (right). Visually we can deduce that the city limits have been extended.
We also observe that an inland tributary is now included in the extended city plan. The break-land forms a route opening up to the settlements on the right. These settlements seem to be arranged along an undefined pathway. The settlements were supposedly inhabited by the farmers. The map also indicates a possible vision towards urban expansion.
1765 - Inclusion of Social Amenities
Albany 1765, By British Military Engineers
The map captures the details of the infrastructure development of the city in a zoomed-in view. It shows the reclaimed part of the tributary to make a route towards the right. We can also see the traces of the urban limit, which has now expanded horizontally. The map provides a proposal for extending the stockade - with a ditch, banquet & revised location for the blockhouse.
It shows terrain and landmarks of strategic value. The map description includes the provision of a general hospital & a quay for loading & unloading of ships.
It also provides evidence for the existence of Fort Orange by locating the remains of the old fort.
1770 - Beginning of an Emerging City
Albany 1770, by Robert Yates
The most prominent feature that has been observed in the past maps, but eliminated here, is the wooden stockade that had bound the city for over 100 years. The disappearance of this feature depicted the beginning of an emerging city beyond the then limits, without the military features.
The map unveiled a budding urban centre and clarified the fact that Albany's streets had been laid out for access to the river. It also proposes new street networks and continuation for the existing streets.
The plan proposes the construction of three large, earth-filled docks and the beginnings of a seawall. Those improvements were the first municipal commitments to reclaiming the muddy riverbank that had severely inhibited commerce in the recent past.
All the street networks now radiated outwards from along the shoreline. This highlighted the fact that the Hudson River was Albany's lifeline and that its economic vitality was closely connected to commerce and trade.
1771 - Development Plan for the Emerging City
Albany 1771, The Beginning of Urban Expansion
The eliminated fort wall traces can be seen along with the existing urban extent. The plan shows proposed road networks leading to outer cities including New York City. We can also observe settlements cropping along the proposed road systems. The area closer to the river shore has urban plots demarcated.
Erie Canal
Erie Canal, Albany 1772, by James Hendrick
Erie Canal was set up as a navigable water route. Its extent began at Albany up to Lake Erie in Buffalo. Setting up of the canal was instrumental for the city's development. It provided access to raw products and a high customer base due to its strategic location. It also created new industries such as the lumber markets.
Lumber District at the Outlet of Erie Canal into the Albany Basin
Source: Ledyard Cogswell Collection
Albany 1787
The image depicts Albany as a highly inhabited city as a prosperous entity - including architectural grandeur and the fully developed harbour as a space of cultural exchange - active recreation spaces for public engagement & exchange of trade goods.
1790 - Current Physical Features & Possibilities for Extending the Historic Core
Albany 1790, by Simeon De Witt
The map depicts the city's existing features, including functional streets, natural features, public buildings, and other landmarks. The English Fort has been eliminated here.
The lanes are named based on their function/activity or their location - Eg: Market Street, Middle Lane located in the middle, Hudson Street leading to the Hudson River and Quay Street that consists of the Quay. This made navigation easier.
This is the first map wherein the 'Wards' from the 18th century have been clearly demarcated. These are vertically arranged plot clusters.
Morning Mist on Hudson River, 1790
1794 - Plan of a Modern City - Grid Planning System
Albany 1794, by Simeon De Witt
The plan shows the extension of the urban limit in the North-West direction. It is a continuation of the previous map. Urban expansion has been proposed on the left and above the existing city limit. Grid Planning is observed here.
The Horizontal Streets are titled with names of birds such as - Eagle, Dove & Lark Streets. The Vertical Streets are titled with names of Animals - such as Wolf, Lion & Otter Streets.
The Streets within the Historic Core have retained their names as-is.
Water Street Shipyard, circa 1805
Albany has been the location of shipyards for nearly 400 years. It has produced vessels of great variety on the banks of the Hudson. This enterprise continues to this day. Additionally, by 1865, it housed the largest lumber market in the nation - The Albany Lumber District. Much lumber was harvested, processed and used for shipbuilding here.
Urban and Interpretations, James Eight
The Artist has depicted a scene from the 1800s. we observe her that the spaces have been demarcated specifically along the roadsides for pedestrians. It also shows variety in architectural styles probably based on usage.
Social Gathering spaces such as the structure shown above like a gazebo ensured public leisure interactions and seating spaces
General Market - 1819
The key to Albany's economic prosperity in the 19th century was transportation, industry and business. This included a thriving beer production industry, the woodworking industry and especially iron foundries. This attracted thousands of immigrants for jobs opportunities. The general market catered to the increased urban population as well.
1833 - Use & Function of Streets & Amenities
Albany 1833, by Oliver Steele
The North has been shifted here. The City has been expanded further and continued with the grid planning system. To create alignment for the grid patterns, the city has been divided into 5 sections. The plots have been numbered in great detail. Some of the new street names include political and authoritative figures - Including Yates & Hudson.
Other than residential use, the map includes two distinct uses -
1- Public Spaces defined as Places of Amusement, Libraries, Churches & Markets. The pier is now a clearly defined structure that is 123 ft long and 80 ft broad.
2- Financial Institutions including Banks & Insurance Company. Additionally, they have also included Government Office Buildings & Headquarters.
1857 - Continued Urbanization
Albany 1857, by L Jacob
A connectivity bridge to the opposite shore of Rensselaer is finally established here. The path is traced lightly as dotted lines. The built expansion can be traced outwards (sparse settlements) from the historic core (dense settlements) along the major transit routes.
The attribution of all these factors, in conjunction with canal and railroad systems, made Albany the hub of transportation in the region during mid 19th century.
Maiden Lane Bridge was constructed in 1871 over the basin to connect Albany with the east side of the river, it was open to railroad traffic only.
The City as a Busy Port Hub
Active Storefronts and Architectural Styles at Pearl Street 1911. The Wrought Iron-based facades reflect the iron industry that had immensely become popular during mid 19th century.
1920 - Inter-State Road Networks
Albany 1920, Business District Map
The map was produced by the Automobile Club of Rochester. It shows the Hudson River, streets and street names, the suggested Blue Book routes through the area, railroad and streetcar lines, and major landmarks. We can also finally see the bridge connecting the two river shores.
The Automobile Club was founded in the year 1900, by motoring enthusiasts. There were more horses than cars on the roads, yet the passionate motorists began organizing automobile clubs excited about the new mode of transportation. Blue Book Routes are a route guide to American intercity transportation published between 1901 and 1929.
A postcard depicting urban life in Albany during the early 1900s. We can see tramlines along the streets. These however have not been indicated on the maps. Such depictions increase the visual knowledge of the historical life in early cities.
Overall indicates the various transit connection possibilities within and leading outside the city. It is crucial in terms of inter-city/ state transport - not just for goods, but for the people as well.
A busy Public Market in Albany, 1900s
Albany Central Public Market - 1930s
Tracing History and Urban Development
1970 to 1990 - Urban Development Plan - The Map Identifies the Location of Fort Orange as a Historical Landmark
Today
Albany is not as well known as other US cities such as New York City, LA, San Francisco or Miami. However, it is one of the largely urbanized cities along the Hudson River. Its street arteries still carry traces of its rich history in the form of landmarks, colonial architectural styles and rich archives including maps. These are preserved in good condition and have been uploaded on digital platforms, open for public access.
Albany Urban Skyline
The city has been documented extensively. Many artists have diligently traced oral histories in the form of artistic urban scenes. This has helped provide an understanding of the sense of life that the earlier inhabitants lived and its transformational aspects.
The artists' impressions of Albany represents the community's ambition to develop materials to help visualize the early American city in its earliest existence.
Bibliography & References:
These include Historical Maps, Artists' Impressions & Narratives, Archival City Images, & Oral and Written Histories.
Barnes, W. (1864). Settlement and Early History of Albany. J. Munsell, Albany, N.Y.
Hulbert, A. B. (Ed.). (1907). The Crown Collection of Photographs of American Maps: Vol. Series 1. The Arthur H Clark Company, Cleveland, Ohio.
Brodhead, John Romeyn (1853). History of the State of New York: First Period 1609-1664. Harper & Brothers. p. 55.
Reynolds, C. (1906). Albany Chronicles - A History of the City Arranged Chronologically. J.B. Lyon Company.
Rocque, M. A. (1765). A Set of Plans and Forts in America, 1765. Strand.
The Massachusetts Historical Society - Collection of British Military Maps of Albany - https://www.masshist.org/
Albany Insititute of History & Art - https://www.albanyinstitute.org/
LF Tantillo's Expressionism of Early Albany - https://www.lftantillo.com/
Colonial Albany Historical Project by Stefan Bielinski, Community Historian - https://exhibitions.nysm.nysed.gov/
Community and Discussion Forums - Friends of Albany History & All About Albany