Utica, New York has a long and rich history of brewing ale and beer. From the 1790s to today, there have been over forty breweries active in the city. Owners and names changed often, but the city supported the industry with breweries that lasted a year or two to some in operation for a century or more. [Read more…] about The History of Brewing in Utica
This page includes all our stories about New York State history.
Zita Johann: Rockland County’s Classic Movie Star
Zita Johann (1904–1993), best known for her role in The Mummy (1932) starring Boris Karloff, lived for many years in Rockland County. The latest episode of Crossroads of Rockland History explores a new book on the actor by local author Tom Stratford, Along Came Zita (BookBaby, 2023). [Read more…] about Zita Johann: Rockland County’s Classic Movie Star
Raines Law, Loopholes and Prohibition
A loophole is an ambiguity or inadequacy in a legal text or a set of rules that people identify and use to avoid adhering to it. Exploiting loopholes in tax legislation by big corporations or wealthy individuals is a preoccupation of our time. The authorities fight a losing battle trying to plug them as lawyers specialize in finding new and profitable flaws. [Read more…] about Raines Law, Loopholes and Prohibition
Fulton County Theater Getting Historic Marker
The Glove Theatre, built-in 1914, is a hidden treasure in downtown Gloversville, in Fulton County, NY. Originally designed as an 800-seat theater that could show an array of performances, from vaudeville, concerts, and ultimately movies. In 1920 it became the flagship theater and home office of Schine Enterprises until 1965. It did not originally have a marque, but in 1939 the current marque was installed to resemble other local theaters. [Read more…] about Fulton County Theater Getting Historic Marker
Corporations that Built British Colonialism
Across four centuries, from Ireland to India, British colonialism was above all the business of corporations. Corporations conceived, promoted, financed, and governed overseas expansion, making claims over territory and peoples while ensuring that British and colonial society were invested in their ventures. [Read more…] about Corporations that Built British Colonialism
A History of of Lionel Trains
The Mountain Top Historical Society of Greene County presents “A History of Lionel Trains” with Ron Gabriele on Sunday, June 11th at 1 pm. This presentation will be held at the historic Ulster and Delaware Railroad (U&D) Train Station on the MTHS campus in Haines Falls. [Read more…] about A History of of Lionel Trains
19th Century Northern NY Railroad News
High-speed rail of the 19th century revolved around fewer stops, not faster trains.
“The first passenger train ever run on the Delaware and Hudson road without stopping at Saratoga passed through at midnight last night. [Read more…] about 19th Century Northern NY Railroad News
Did George Washington Burn New York City?
August 27, 1776, British troops under General William Howe attacked American forces commanded by George Washington in the Battle of Brooklyn. Assailed from three sides, Washington and the main body of the Americans escaped across the East River to Manhattan and then fled north, ultimately crossing the Hudson River, then known as the North River, to New Jersey.
If Washington and his troops had been captured either in Brooklyn or Manhattan, the American Revolution would likely have ended soon after it began. [Read more…] about Did George Washington Burn New York City?
Fort Chambly Patriots International Memorial Service
Organizations and dignitaries from Northern New York and Southern Quebec will join members of the Saranac Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution for an International Memorial Service on Saturday, June 3rd honoring Revolutionary War soldiers who, along with their Commanding Officer, succumbed to smallpox while retreating from Quebec City in the Spring of 1776. [Read more…] about Fort Chambly Patriots International Memorial Service
Paul Smith’s Students Create the Akwesasne Mohawk Mobile Cultural Center
Paul Smith’s College students have completed construction of the Akwesasne Mobile Cultural Center. This new cultural center is a result of a partnership between Paul Smith’s College and the Nia’s Little Library – a nonprofit that promotes literacy and preserve the Mohawk language. [Read more…] about Paul Smith’s Students Create the Akwesasne Mohawk Mobile Cultural Center