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Claverack, New York
Town
Cornelius Muller House in Claverack
Location of Claverack, New York
Location of Claverack, New York
Country United States
State New York
County Columbia
Government
 • Type Town Council
Area
 • Total 47.95 sq mi (124.19 km2)
 • Land 47.56 sq mi (123.18 km2)
 • Water 0.39 sq mi (1.01 km2)
Elevation
522 ft (159 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 6,058
 • Density 126.340/sq mi (48.780/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
12513
Area code(s) 518
FIPS code 36-021-16045
GNIS feature ID 0978834

Claverack is a small town in Columbia County, New York, United States. About 6,058 people lived here in 2020. The town's name comes from the Dutch words Klaverakker. This means "Clover Fields" or "Clover Reach." Long ago, in 1705, a Dutch farmer found a mastodon tooth here.

Claverack is located in the middle of Columbia County. It is just east of the city of Hudson.

Exploring Claverack's Past

Claverack was once a very large area, about 60,000 acres. It was known as the Lower Manor of Rensselaer. This was part of a huge estate owned by an important Dutch family in the 1600s.

How Claverack Became a Town

During the American Revolution, Claverack officially became a town in 1778. Before that, it was called the District of Claverack. Over time, parts of Claverack were used to create other towns. In 1782, some land went to Hillsdale. Then, in 1785, the city of Hudson was formed from Claverack's land.

Schools and Historic Buildings

In 1779, a school called Washington Seminary was started here. It was founded by the local Dutch Reformed pastor. A famous student who attended this school was U.S. President Martin Van Buren. Later, the school changed its name to Claverack College. It closed its doors in 1902.

Many old homes from the 1700s are still in the area. One example is the William Henry Ludlow House, built in 1786.

William Henry Ludlow house, Claverack, Columbia County, NY, USA
William Henry Ludlow House, a historic home in Claverack

Historic Places to See

Many buildings and places in Claverack are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important to history. Some of these include:

Famous People from Claverack

Many interesting people have connections to Claverack:

  • Stanley Bate: An English composer and pianist.
  • Daniela Bertol: An architect, designer, and artist from Italy.
  • Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton: These important historical figures worked on legal cases in the local courthouse.
  • Mihail Chemiakin: A Russian artist.
  • Nancy Fuller: A chef and TV host of Farmhouse Rules on the Food Network. She grew up here.
  • Anne Grant: A Scottish poet and writer.
  • Elizabeth Mumbet Freeman: An important figure in the fight for freedom, she was born here.
  • Ismail Merchant and James Ivory: These filmmakers owned property in Claverack. They supported local causes, like the hospital in nearby Hudson. James Ivory still visits.
  • Margaret Sanger: She attended the former Claverack College for two years.
  • Joan Steiner: An American illustrator and puzzle designer.
  • John J. Tallmadge: He was born in Claverack.
  • Henry D. Todd Jr.: A U.S. Army major general, also born here.
  • Martin Van Buren: He became a lawyer here.

Claverack's Geography

Claverack covers a total area of about 124.2 square kilometers (47.95 square miles). Most of this is land, with a small part being water.

Rivers and Creeks

The Claverack Creek flows into the town near the small community of Mellenville. It then runs southwest before turning north. This creek forms the western border of the town. The Taghkanic Creek is another important stream. It flows from the south and also forms part of the town's western border before joining Claverack Creek.

Major Roads

The Taconic State Parkway is a main road that goes north and south through the eastern side of Claverack.

Claverack's Population Over Time

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1820 2,813 —
1830 3,038 8.0%
1840 3,056 0.6%
1850 3,208 5.0%
1860 3,477 8.4%
1870 3,671 5.6%
1880 4,347 18.4%
1890 4,518 3.9%
1900 4,416 −2.3%
1910 4,114 −6.8%
1920 3,747 −8.9%
1930 4,168 11.2%
1940 4,071 −2.3%
1950 4,406 8.2%
1960 4,989 13.2%
1970 5,711 14.5%
1980 6,061 6.1%
1990 6,414 5.8%
2000 6,395 −0.3%
2010 6,021 −5.8%
2020 6,058 0.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were about 6,401 people living in Claverack. The population density was about 134 people per square mile. The average household had about 2.44 people.

The population includes people of all ages. In 2000, about 24.4% of the people were under 18 years old. About 19.1% were 65 years or older. The average age in the town was 41 years.

Communities and Places in Claverack

Claverack town offices, Philmont, New York
Claverack town offices

Claverack has several smaller communities and locations within its borders:

  • Brick Tavern – A small community in the northwest part of town.
  • Churchtown – A community located on the southern border of the town.
  • Claverack – This is the main community, located in the western part of the town.
  • Hollowville – A community southeast of Claverack village.
  • Martindale – A community near the eastern town border, close to the Taconic State Parkway.
  • Mellenville – A community in the northeast part of the town. The Mellenville Railroad Station is a historic building here.
  • Philmont – This is a village located in the northeastern section of the town.
  • Red Mills – A place just east of Claverack village.
  • Upper Hollowville – A community between Hollowville and Martindale.

See also

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