[6] The town is centrally located in Columbia County, east of the city of Hudson.

Claverack was originally approximately 60,000 acres (24,000 ha) in area and was known as the Lower Manor of Rensselaer, part of a vast estate on both sides of the Hudson River granted in the 17th century to an early prominent Dutch family.

In 1779 Washington Seminary was founded in the town by the local Dutch Reformed pastor.

Prominent former students at the school include U.S. President Martin Van Buren.

In the nineteenth century the school was renamed Claverack College; it closed in 1902.

The many 18th-century homes in the area include the 1786 William Henry Ludlow House.

The Taconic State Parkway passes north-south through the eastern side of the town.