Nassau, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nassau, New York
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Town hall
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Location in Rensselaer County and the state of New York.
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Rensselaer |
| Incorporated | 1806 (as Town of Philipstown) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 45.24 sq mi (117.16 km2) |
| • Land | 44.44 sq mi (115.11 km2) |
| • Water | 0.79 sq mi (2.05 km2) |
| Elevation | 919 ft (280 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,545 |
| • Density | 100.464/sq mi (38.793/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
12123
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| Area code(s) | 518 |
| FIPS code | 36-49517 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0979250 |
Nassau is a small town located in Rensselaer County, New York, in the United States. In 2020, about 4,545 people lived there. This number was a bit lower than in 2010.
The Town of Nassau is found near the southern edge of Rensselaer County.
Contents
History of Nassau
People first started settling in the Nassau area around 1760. The town was officially created in 1806. Back then, it was called "Philipstown." It was formed from parts of three other towns: Petersburgh, Schodack, and Stephentown.
Just two years later, in 1808, the town changed its name to "Nassau." This new name was chosen to honor Fort Nassau. This fort was the very first settlement built by the Dutch people in what is now New York.
A special place called the Henry Tunis Smith Farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it's an important historical site.
Geography and Location
Nassau covers a total area of about 45.2 square miles (117.1 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 44.5 square miles (115.4 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 0.7 square miles (1.7 square kilometers), is water.
The southern border of the town is also the border of Columbia County, which is another county in New York State.
Population Changes Over Time
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 2,873 | — | |
| 1830 | 3,254 | 13.3% | |
| 1840 | 3,236 | −0.6% | |
| 1850 | 3,261 | 0.8% | |
| 1860 | 3,039 | −6.8% | |
| 1870 | 2,705 | −11.0% | |
| 1880 | 2,629 | −2.8% | |
| 1890 | 2,273 | −13.5% | |
| 1900 | 2,073 | −8.8% | |
| 1910 | 2,115 | 2.0% | |
| 1920 | 2,015 | −4.7% | |
| 1930 | 2,020 | 0.2% | |
| 1940 | 2,405 | 19.1% | |
| 1950 | 3,122 | 29.8% | |
| 1960 | 3,721 | 19.2% | |
| 1970 | 4,043 | 8.7% | |
| 1980 | 4,479 | 10.8% | |
| 1990 | 4,989 | 11.4% | |
| 2000 | 4,818 | −3.4% | |
| 2010 | 4,789 | −0.6% | |
| 2020 | 4,545 | −5.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Nassau has changed quite a bit over the years. In 2000, there were 4,818 people living in the town. The population density was about 108 people per square mile.
The average household in Nassau had about 2.60 people. The average family size was about 3.04 people. In 2000, about 26% of the people in Nassau were under 18 years old. The median age was 38 years old.
Communities and Places in Nassau
Nassau is home to several smaller communities and locations. Here are some of them:
- Alps – This is a small community, also called a hamlet. It's located on NY 43, east of Denault Corners. It got its name because the land there is quite hilly, like mountains.
- Brainard – Another hamlet found at the southern end of East Nassau. It's where US 20 and NY 66 roads meet.
- Denault Corners – This hamlet is on the northern border of the town. It's at the meeting point of NY 43 and NY 66.
- Dunham Hollow – A hamlet in the far northeastern part of the town. It's located where NY 43 and Dunham Hollow Road connect. This community was named after Isaac Dunham, an early settler.
- East Nassau – This is a small village. It's located along the NY 66 road, right on the eastern border of the town.
- Hoags Corners – A hamlet at the northern end of East Nassau. It's where NY 66 and Central Nassau Road meet. This community was named after W. B. Hoag, another early settler.
- Jack's Corners – A hamlet on US 20, about three miles east of the Village of Nassau.
- Millers Corners – This hamlet is in the northwestern part of the town. It's located at the southwestern corner of Burden Lake.
- Nassau – This is the main Village of Nassau. It's on the western border of the town, where US 20 and NY 203 roads come together.
- North Nassau – A hamlet in the northern part of the town. It's found where Hoags Corners Road and North Nassau Road meet.
Notable People from Nassau
Many interesting people have connections to Nassau. Here are a few:
- Smith A. Boughton – He was a leader during the Anti-Rent War, a time when farmers protested against unfair land rules. He lived in Alps.
- Fenner Ferguson – Born in Nassau, he later became a Delegate to the United States House of Representatives for the Nebraska Territory. This means he represented that area in the U.S. government.
- Lydia Davis – A well-known writer, translator, and essayist. She lives in East Nassau.
- Chester Griswold – He was a member of the New York State Assembly, which is part of the state's government. He also served as the town supervisor of Nassau and was the postmaster.
- John Augustus Griswold – He was a U.S. Congressman, meaning he represented his area in the national government.
- Simeon Griswold – A member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, which is part of Massachusetts' state government.
- Samuel Ludlow – He was the town clerk for Nassau. Later, he became a state court judge in Oswego, New York.
- Charles Ezra Sprague – He was an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War and also worked as an accountant.
See also
In Spanish: Nassau (Nueva York) para niños
