History of Albany, New York (1784–1860)

The history of Albany, New York, from 1784 to 1860, begins with the ratification of the Treaty of Paris by the Congress of the Confederation in 1784 and ends in 1860, prior to the American Civil War.

After Horatio Gates' win over John Burgoyne at Saratoga in 1777, the upper Hudson Valley was generally at peace as the war raged on elsewhere.

Migrants from Vermont and Connecticut began flowing in, noting the advantages of living on the Hudson and trading at Albany, while being only a few days' sail from New York City.

From statehood to this date, the Legislature had frequently moved the state capital between Albany, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, and the city of New York.

[9][10] The advent of the turnpike, in conjunction with canal and railroad systems, made Albany the hub of transportation for pioneers going to Buffalo and the Michigan Territory in the early and mid-19th century.

[9][11] In 1807, Robert Fulton initiated a steamboat line from New York to Albany, the first successful enterprise of its kind.

[13] In 1825 the Erie Canal was completed, forming a continuous water route from the Great Lakes to New York City.

[16][17] In 1829, while working as a professor at the Albany Academy, Joseph Henry, widely regarded as "the foremost American scientist of the 19th century",[18] built the first electric motor.

[23] Albany also has significant history with rail transport,[24] as the location of two major regional railroad headquarters.

The first post office in Albany was established in 1784 on the east side of Broadway, north of Maiden Lane.

In 1785 the Common Council ordered to change the names of any streets that seemed to "savor of the English rule" and Fort Frederick was demolished, which allowed for further expansion of the city to the west.

In the following few years, stage lines are established with the surrounding communities and beyond, such as Ballston in 1793 and to Buffalo and Niagara Falls in 1811.

Emigration from New England to the western part of the state increased as roads were improved west of Albany.

From statehood to this date the legislature spent roughly equal time constantly moving between Albany, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, and the city of New York.

In 1804 Aaron Burr, who had a law office in Albany at 24 South Pearl Street,[38] came into conflict with Alexander Hamilton.

Governor and acting-Governor of the state), Hamilton made disparaging remarks about Burr and these were published in a local newspaper.

Theodric Romeyn Beck performs a comprehensive agricultural and geological survey of Albany County in 1820, it is the first in the state.

The Common Council takes over the right to appoint the mayor and in 1821 unanimously elects Charles Edward Dudley.

[46] The Erie Canal opens officially and the Seneca Chief leaves Buffalo on October 26, arriving at Albany on November 2.

Also in 1829 Joseph Henry at The Albany Academy demonstrates the idea behind electromagnets, induction, generators, and the electric telegraph but fails to patent any idea or invention, only publishing scientific papers, allowing others such as Samuel Morse to patent the same inventions years later.

Francis Bloodgood, of Dutch Reformed faith, becomes mayor in 1831 and pays all the debts of those in debtors' prison on the occasion of his swearing-in.

The house that is farthest south in the city limits at this point is at the corner of Grand and Hamilton streets.

Also in 1837 Albany Medical College is founded and 29 Elk Street is bought by the state as the first official governor's residence.

In 1844 the New York State Normal School is established by the state, it is the predecessor of the University at Albany, SUNY, Albany Rural Cemetery is consecrated, and the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad moves its tracks to pass through Tivoli Hollow and to a new depot at the foot of Maiden Lane.

Also in 1846 the Roman Catholic Church creates the Diocese of Albany with John McCluskey as bishop, he later becomes the first American cardinal.

Also in 1848 the cornerstone of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is laid at the corner of Madison Avenue and Eagle Street and the railroad to New York is completed.

On August 17 "The Great Fire" burns 600 buildings over 37 acres (150,000 m2) from Maiden Lane in the north to Hudson Avenue to the south.

Mayor Perry is reelected this year by a margin of 972 votes over Thomas McMullen, the Whig candidate.

The various railroads between Albany and Buffalo are consolidated in July as the New York Central by former mayor Erastus Corning.

In August the American Academy for Advancement of Science meets in Albany and the State Geological Hall opens and the Dudley Observatory is dedicated.