Alplaus, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alplaus, New York
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 Alplaus, New York
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Schenectady |
| Area | |
| • Water | 0.0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 210 ft (64 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
12008
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| Area code(s) | 518 |
Alplaus is a small community, called a hamlet, in Schenectady County, New York, United States. Its name comes from the Dutch words Aal Plaats, which mean "Place of the Eels."
Alplaus is located in the southeast part of the town of Glenville. While some people think it's part of East Glenville, it's usually seen as its own separate place.
The community has a group called the Alplaus Residents Association (ARA). This group helps organize fun activities and works with local and state governments.
Exploring Alplaus's Geography
Since Alplaus is not an official city or town, its exact borders can be a bit tricky. Some people think the ZIP Code 12008 defines Alplaus. Others might say it's the area served by the Alplaus volunteer fire department.
Alplaus is located at 42°51′19″N 73°53′58″W / 42.85528°N 73.89944°W. It sits about 210 feet (64 m) above sea level near the Mohawk River.
To the east, Alplaus borders Rexford. The Mohawk River forms its southern edge. The Schenectady County Airport generally marks its western border.
A major natural feature here is the Alplaus Kill. A "kill" is a Dutch word for a creek or stream. This creek flows into the Mohawk River.
Alplaus has one main road, Alplaus Avenue. Several smaller streets branch off from it. In the center of the hamlet, you'll find two important community buildings: the post office and the fire station.
Airports Near Alplaus
The Schenectady County Airport (FAA code KSCH) is partly located within Alplaus. This airport is also home to the Stratton Air National Guard Base. The 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton, uses C-130 aircraft to support missions in the Arctic and Antarctic.
Another airport, the Wells Seaplane Base (FAA id 94D), is found at the Mohawk Marina. It's close to where the Alplaus Kill meets the Mohawk River.
A Look at Alplaus's History
In 1690, before the Schenectady massacre, a group of 114 Frenchmen and 96 Sault and Algonquin Indians camped at the mouth of the Alplaus Kill.
From 1902 to 1941, the "longest trolley bridge in the world" crossed the Mohawk River at Alplaus. This trolley brought visitors from Schenectady to the fairgrounds in Rexford.
The Alplaus United Methodist Church was started in 1914. The Alplaus fire department was founded in 1930.
During World War II, the General Electric Company tested jet engines and electronic spy equipment at the Schenectady County Airport.
The famous writer Kurt Vonnegut lived in Alplaus in the late 1940s. He worked for General Electric in Schenectady. He was even a member of the Alplaus Volunteer Fire Department! He wrote about the fire department's very loud siren in his book, God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater.
See also
In Spanish: Alplaus para niños
