The Anti-Renters declared their independence from the manor system run by patroons, resisting tax collectors and successfully demanding land reform.

[5] When he died, his wealth had been reduced in the economic downturn known as the Panic of 1837,[6] so Van Rensselaer's will directed his heirs to collect outstanding rents and quarter-sale payments to apply to his estate's debts.

[5][6] The first mass meeting of tenant farmers leading to the Anti-Rent War was held at the top of the Helderberg mountains in Berne, New York on July 4, 1839.

"[2] Among their tactics was the rent strike, with tenants refusing to pay on their leases unless Van Rensselaer's heirs and the other patroons agreed to a negotiated settlement.

[7] In December 1839 the Anti-Renters repulsed a 500-man posse led by Albany County sheriff Michael Artcher and including William Marcy and John Van Buren.

[9][10] In January 1845, one hundred and fifty delegates from eleven counties assembled at St. Paul's Lutheran Church[11] in Berne to call for political action to redress their grievances.

[19] The New York Constitution of 1846 added provisions for tenants' rights, abolishing feudal tenures and outlawing leases lasting longer than twelve years.