Schuyler Flatts facts for kids
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Schuyler Flatts
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The Philip Schuyler House, prior to its destruction
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Between NY 32 and the Hudson River, Colonie, NY |
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| NRHP reference No. | 74001217 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 21, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | November 4, 1993 |
Schuyler Flatts is a very important historical place in Colonie, New York. It sits right next to the Hudson River. This area shows us how people lived long ago.
Scientists have found signs of Native American life from thousands of years ago. They also found evidence of early Dutch settlers and later American families. Because so much history is here, Schuyler Flatts was named a National Historic Landmark in 1993. Today, it is a park called Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park. The town of Colonie owns and takes care of it.
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A Look Back in Time
Schuyler Flatts is a flat, rich area of land near the Hudson River. It's just north of Albany. This land was perfect for farming because the river often flooded, leaving behind fertile soil.
Native American History
Archaeologists, who are like history detectives, have dug here. They found old fireplaces and tools used by Native Americans. These finds tell us that people lived here long before Europeans arrived.
Dutch Settlers Arrive
In the 1600s, people from the Netherlands, called the Dutch, came to America. They settled a large area known as New Netherland. Schuyler Flatts was part of a huge land area owned by the Van Rensselaer family. People started living and farming here around the 1640s. This was about the same time Fort Orange was built in what is now Albany.
The Schuyler Family Home
In 1672, the Schuyler family bought the farm. They lived there for a very long time, all the way until the early 1900s. One famous family member was Pieter Schuyler. He was the first mayor of Albany. He also served as the temporary governor of the Province of New York three times.
The property once had a large house called the Colonel Phillipus Schuyler House. Colonel Phillipus Schuyler was Pieter Schuyler's son. Sadly, this historic house burned down in 1962.
Changes to the Land
Over the years, the land around Schuyler Flatts changed. In the early 1800s, the Erie Canal was built. It cut right through the western edge of the Schuyler property. A main road that used to be in front of the house was moved. Today, that road is known as Broadway.
Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park
Schuyler Flatts was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1993. This means it's a very important place in American history. In 2002, the Town of Colonie turned the grounds into a public park.
Today, the park is a place where people can learn about history. It even hosts an annual event called Civil War Heritage Days. During this event, people dress up and show what life was like during the American Civil War. It's a great way to experience history firsthand!
