Dunsbach Ferry, New York facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dunsbach Ferry
hamlet
Dunsbach Ferry Location in New York
Country	United States
State	New York
Region	Capital District
County	Albany
Elevation	187 ft (57 m)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Code	12047
Area code(s)	518

Dunsbach Ferry is a small community, called a hamlet, in the town of Colonie, New York. It's located in Albany County, right by the Mohawk River. You can find it just east of the big "Twin Bridges" (officially the Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge). These bridges carry Interstate 87 over the river. Dunsbach Ferry used to be a very important place for crossing the river and was even a stop for trains. Today, many people enjoy the river here with private and public docks. The ZIP code for this area is 12047, which is part of Cohoes.

History of Dunsbach Ferry

Early Beginnings and Ferries

Dunsbach Ferry got its name because it started as a place where people could cross the Mohawk River using a ferry. In 1718, an early settler named Cornelius Claes Vandenburgh built a stone house near the river. His ferry was first known as Cornelius Claes Ferry. Later, it became known as Dunsbach Ferry.

The Dunsbach Ferry Bridge

For a short time, a bridge replaced the ferry. This bridge was built in 1898 by the Dunsbach Ferry Bridge Company. It had an unusual way of being built, using cylinders with piles driven inside. Unfortunately, parts of the bridge were washed away by ice in 1903. The last part was carried away in 1905.

Life on the Canal

Around 1910, the New York State Barge Canal was created. This meant the Erie Canal moved into the Mohawk River. Because of this, Dunsbach Ferry became a busy stop. Many barge captains lived here, and it was a place where barges could get supplies.

Measuring the River

In 1898, a gauging station was set up at Dunsbach Ferry. This station helped measure how much water was flowing in the river. It was located near a West Troy Water Company dam and pumping station. The dam was built to provide water to West Troy (now called Watervliet). Part of this dam was removed in 1912.

A Summer Getaway

Because of its beautiful natural setting, Dunsbach Ferry became a popular summer resort. People would come here to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Over time, many of these summer homes have been updated for year-round living. However, some summer cottages still remain. Farms and undeveloped woodlands also help keep the area quiet, away from busier developments nearby.

Geography of Dunsbach Ferry

Where is Dunsbach Ferry?

Even though hamlets in Colonie don't have exact boundaries, Dunsbach Ferry is generally thought to be the area along the Mohawk River. It stretches from Interstate 87 all the way to the Colonie Town Park. You can reach Dunsbach Ferry by road from other Colonie hamlets. These include Boght Corners, Crescent Station, and Latham.

		Mohawk River Saratoga County	Colonie Town Park Hamlet of Crescent Station
	Mohawk River
		Hamlet of Dunsbach Ferry
		Hamlet of Latham	Hamlet of Boght Corners

Architecture in Dunsbach Ferry

Styles of Homes

Homes in Dunsbach Ferry show many different building styles. You can find older colonial homes, as well as more modern ranch and cape-style houses. The outside of these homes can be made from various materials. These include aluminum, clapboard, and shingles. Many houses along the river started as simple summer cottages. Over time, they have been made suitable for winter and have been made larger. However, some homes still keep their original summer-camp style.

Education in Dunsbach Ferry

Local Schools

Children living in Dunsbach Ferry attend schools in the North Colonie Central School District (NCCS). Younger students, from kindergarten through sixth grade, go to Boght Hills Elementary School. For seventh through twelfth grade, students attend Shaker High School.