History of Albany, New York (1900–1942) facts for kids
The history of Albany, New York from 1900 to 1942 covers an exciting time for the city. It starts at the beginning of the 20th century and ends when Erastus Corning 2nd became mayor in 1942.
Albany was a pioneer in aviation. It opened one of the world's first commercial airports. It was also the first municipal airport in the United States, starting in 1908. At first, it was on a polo field. Later, it moved to Westerlo Island in 1909. The airport stayed there until 1928.
The Albany Municipal Airport was owned by both the city and the county. In 1928, it moved to its current spot in Colonie. In 1960, the mayor sold the city's share of the airport to the county. This was due to budget problems. From then on, it was called Albany County Airport. A big upgrade happened between 1996 and 1998. After that, it was renamed Albany International Airport.
By 1916, parts of Albany's northern and southern borders were set. Westerlo Island was added to the city in 1926. This was the second-to-last time the city expanded its land.
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Albany in the Early 1900s
In 1901, a new park called Dana Park opened. This happened during an Arbor Day celebration. It is located where Delaware Avenue, Lark Street, and Madison Avenue meet.
The United Traction Company Strike
Also in 1901, workers at the United Traction Company (UTC) went on strike. The UTC ran buses and trolleys in and between cities. The strike began on May 7. On May 14, the governor sent soldiers to keep order. These were from the 10th Battalion and Third Signal Corps. The next day, more soldiers arrived from Brooklyn. The city was then put under martial law, which means the military takes control.
On May 16, a large crowd attacked a UTC trolley car. This happened on Broadway. Soldiers from the 23rd Regiment fired their weapons. Two people were killed. The strike ended on May 19.
Sports and City Leadership
In 1901, Albany's local baseball team won the State Pennant. They won again in 1902.
In 1902, Charles Gaus became mayor of Albany. He was a Republican. He won the 1901 election against General Amsaa Parker. Mayor Gaus was reelected two more times. He won by even larger numbers of votes in 1903 and 1905.
Albany's Aviation History
The Albany County Municipal Airport was the first municipal airport in the United States. It is still the oldest one today. In 1908, the first airstrip was on a polo field. This field was three miles north of the city in Colonie.
Moving the Airport
In 1909, the airport moved to Westerlo Island. This island is in the city of Albany. However, at that time, it was part of the town of Bethlehem. The airport was named after Quentin Roosevelt. He was Teddy Roosevelt's son and a fighter pilot in World War I.
A $10,000 prize was offered for the first sustained flight between Albany and New York City. Glen Curtiss achieved this amazing flight on May 29, 1910. Other famous aviation pioneers also visited this early airport. These included Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and James Doolittle.
A New Modern Airport
John Boyd Thacher II was a mayor of Albany. He believed that a city needed an airport to stay competitive. So, in 1928, he decided to build a new, modern airport. It was built on land owned by the Shakers. This land was near Albany-Shaker Road in Colonie. It was not far from the original polo fields. The Shakers not only sold the land but also loaned their tractors and tools for the project.
Long-Serving Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd
Erastus Corning 2nd was elected mayor in 1941. He started his term in 1942. He became Albany's longest-serving mayor. He was also the longest-serving mayor of any American city.
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