Vischer Ferry, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vischer Ferry
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Nicholas and Eldert Vischer House
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 Vischer Ferry
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Region | Capital District |
| County | Saratoga |
| Settled | 1670 |
| Elevation | 213 ft (65 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
12148 (Rexford)
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| Area code(s) | 518 |
Vischer Ferry is a small community, called a hamlet, in New York. It is located in Saratoga County, within the town of Clifton Park. This historic spot sits right along the Mohawk River.
Contents
History of Vischer Ferry
Early Settlement and the Ferry
Vischer Ferry gets its name from the Vischer family. Nicholas Vischer built a house here in 1735. At that time, the land around the Mohawk Valley was claimed by both the Iroquois League and the British. After the American Revolutionary War, New York became a state.
In 1790, Nicholas Vischer's son, Eldert Vischer, started a rope ferry here. A ferry is like a boat that carries people and things across a river. This ferry connected roads on both sides of the Mohawk River. By 1800, the area had a tavern and a store.
The Erie Canal and Changes
The Erie Canal was built by 1825. This important canal connected the Mohawk River to Lake Erie. It helped transport goods and people across New York.
Over time, the canal became less important. Vischer Ferry became a bit isolated. A bridge built across the river in 1900 was destroyed by ice in 1902. New bridges were not built for a long time. Because it was isolated, the village kept its old-fashioned look from the 1800s. Many buildings show the Greek Revival style.
Historic Recognition
In October 1975, the Vischer Ferry Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place worth protecting. Another historic building, the Abraham Best House, was added in 2011.
The Vischer Ferry Dam
A large concrete dam was finished nearby in 1913. It was built to help with hydroelectric power and to make river travel easier. The Vischer Ferry Dam is also known as Dam 3. It is 30 feet (9.1 m) high and 1,919 feet (585 m) long. The New York Power Authority owns this dam.
Community Growth
The Vischer Ferry Hotel, built in the 1790s, was destroyed by a fire in 1946. This event led to the community forming its first volunteer fire department.
Later, in 1958-1959, a new road connection was built. Vischer Ferry Road connected the hamlet to Interstate 87. This highway is often called the "Northway" and goes between Albany and the Canadian border.
Where is Vischer Ferry?
Vischer Ferry is located in a scenic area.
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Hamlet of Rexford | Hamlet of Grooms Corners Stony Creek Reservoir |
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| Mohawk River/ Schenectady County |
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Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve |
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 Hamlet of Vischer Ferry  |
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| Mohawk River/ Schenectady County Town of Niskayuna and Niska Isle |
Mohawk River/Schenectady County |
It is bordered by the Mohawk River to the south, west, and southwest. To the east, you'll find the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve. The hamlet of Grooms Corners and the Stony Creek Reservoir are to the north.
Fun Things to Do
Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
The Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve is a great place to visit. It covers 600-acre (2.4 km2) of land. You can see a rebuilt 1862 Whipple truss bridge there. In 2006, this preserve was named a Bird Conservation Area. This means it's an important place for birds.
Mohawk Towpath Byway
The Mohawk Towpath Byway is a special route that goes through Vischer Ferry. It's a great way to explore the history and nature of the area.
