kids encyclopedia robot

Rexford, New York facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Rexford
Rexford is located in New York
Rexford
Rexford
Location in New York
Country United States
State New York
County Saratoga
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)

Rexford is a small community called a hamlet. It is located in Saratoga County, New York, in the United States. You can find it on the north side of the Mohawk River. Rexford is part of the Town of Clifton Park. Its exact borders are not official, but it's generally surrounded by the Mohawk River, Grooms Road, Alplaus, and the Schenectady County line. Route 146 and Vischer's Ferry Road also help define its edges. The area's ZIP Code is 12148.

A Look at Rexford's Past

Edward Rexford gave the area its original name, Rexford Flats. The Methodist Church, located at 18 Main Street, was built in 1839. A blacksmith shop, which is across from the church, also dates back to this time. This was when the famous Erie Canal was very important.

The Erie Canal and Aqueduct

NYmohawk-ErieCanalRexford
This photo shows the earlier years of the Erie Canal as its stone aqueduct passes over the Mohawk River through Rexford.

Rexford was once home to a special bridge called an aqueduct. This aqueduct allowed boats traveling on the Erie Canal to cross over the Mohawk River. It was built in 1841. Today, you can still see the large stone arches that supported its towpath (a path for horses or mules to pull boats). These arches are visible from the Route 146 bridge.

Rexford Aqueduct, Rexford NY
Remains of the Rexford Aqueduct in 2016

The Schenectady Yacht Club is in an old building that used to be a canal store. It was built around 1900. The club uses the remains of Lock 21, which is on its property. This lock helps move boats in and out of the river. Lock 21 was built in 1842 when the Canal was made larger.

Changes to Local Buildings

Rexford once had a small two-room schoolhouse. It was at the corner of Riverview and what is now Route 146. This school was taken down in the 1960s. A firehouse was built in its place. Later, in 2001, a convenience store replaced the firehouse. The firehouse is now located north of the intersection on Route 146.

Rexford's Amusement Park Days

In the early 1900s, Rexford had an exciting amusement park. It featured rides, games, and places to buy food and drinks. This park was the final stop for a trolley line. People from the city of Schenectady would take the trolley for a fun day trip. The park was known by several names, including Luna Park, Dolle's Park, Colonnade Park, Palisades Park, and Rexford Park.

The Historic McLane Hotel

The McLane Hotel was a popular stop for stagecoaches and canal boats. John McLane ran it until about 1930. The hotel was taken down in 1964. Before it was removed, the McLane Hotel looked very old and mysterious. It had large porches on both floors and a small tower called a cupola on its roof.

Places to Visit in Rexford

  • Glencliff Elementary School: This school is part of the Niskayuna School District. You can find it at 961 Riverview Road, Rexford, New York, 12148.
  • Schenectady Yacht Club: Located at 1676 Route 146, Rexford, NY 12148. It's a club for boat enthusiasts.
  • The Edison Club: This is a country club that started in 1904. It was created by employees of the General Electric Company. The Edison's Rexford Clubhouse opened on July 2, 1925. It has a large 27-hole golf course.
  • Cyrus Rexford House: This historic house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
  • Nathan Garnsey House: This house was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

Famous People from Rexford

  • Ian Anderson (born in 1998): He is a pitcher who plays baseball for the Atlanta Braves team.
kids search engine
Rexford, New York Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.