New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Mohawk Valley

The French and Indian War: A New York Perspective

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Miniature of Fort Prince George under attack by French troops (diorama in the Fort Pitt Museum, Pittsburgh)In the early 1750s, the French were establishing trading posts and building forts along western the frontiers of the British colonies. In the fall of 1753, in part to protect his own land claims, Virginia Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie had sent 22-year-old George Washington (then a militia leader and surveyor) to deliver a letter to Fort Le Boeuf at what is today Waterford in northwest Pennsylvania, demanding they stop.

When Washington returned without success, Dinwiddie sent a small force to build Fort Prince George at the confluence of the Allegheny  and Monongahela Rivers (today Pittsburgh). Soon a larger French force arrived, torn down the small British fort, and began and built Fort Duquesne, named for then Governor-General of New France, Marquis Duquesne. [Read more…] about The French and Indian War: A New York Perspective

The 115th New York: The Iron Hearted Regiment During The Civil War

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Colonel Simeon Sammons of the 15th New York RegimentDuring the Civil War, Colonel Simeon Sammons received authority to recruit a regiment in the counties of Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Saratoga, with headquarters at Fonda. On August 26, 1862, it mustered into the service of the United States for three years as the 115th New York Infantry Regiment, known as the “Iron-Hearted Regiment.” [Read more…] about The 115th New York: The Iron Hearted Regiment During The Civil War

10th Annual Fire Tower Lighting Sept 2nd: Where To See Them

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Photo of Bald Mountain fire tower Lighting in 2021 courtesy of Steff Obkerchnerg (provided by NYS Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association).The NYS Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association will hold the 10th Annual Fire Towers Lighting on Saturday, September 2nd at 9 pm. Last year volunteers were able to light 33 firetowers across New York State. Nearly 40 towers are already registered to participate this year. [Read more…] about 10th Annual Fire Tower Lighting Sept 2nd: Where To See Them

Centering Historic Preservation in Community (Virtual Program)

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Oneida Community Mansion HouseThe Oneida Community Mansion House and the Preservation League of New York State will host a webinar to discuss the challenges of preserving historic structures. The session will share one site’s journey to address a building’s needs with limited resources. [Read more…] about Centering Historic Preservation in Community (Virtual Program)

Albany’s Peter Gansevoort, “The Hero of Stanwix”

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Detail from portrait of Gansevoort by Gilbert Stuart, 1794Peter Gansevoort Jr. was born into the Dutch aristocracy of Albany to Harman Gansevoort (1712–1801) and Magdalena Douw (1718–1796). His younger brother Leonard Gansevoort, was politically active, serving in the state assembly and senate, as well as the Continental Congress. [Read more…] about Albany’s Peter Gansevoort, “The Hero of Stanwix”

Through the Mire: Erie Canal Environmental History

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The Erie Canal at LockportFor centuries, humans had been interacting with the geology and environment of Upstate New York, but when construction of the Erie Canal commenced in 1817, the vastness of the project and the environment that it would cut through became its largest obstacle. [Read more…] about Through the Mire: Erie Canal Environmental History

Side Paths: New York State’s 1890s Bike Trail Network

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East Avenue sidepath (Monroe County Sidepaths, 1899) Sidepaths were constructed for bicycles in the 1890sAs the 1890s took New York State toward a new century, the use of the bicycle for recreation by both the young and old was sweeping the country. One reason for this growth was the development of a safer, easier-to-ride machine with a smaller front wheel than the earlier high-wheeled bicycles.

Other advances in the development of the bicycle at this time were pneumatic tires and a chain drive that further eliminated the need for the large front tire. [Read more…] about Side Paths: New York State’s 1890s Bike Trail Network

Archaeological Excavations Underway at Revolutionary Fort Plain

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Archaeological excavation (courtesy New York State Archaeological Association)Archaeological excavations are underway at Fort Plain Museum on weekends through August 27, 2023 with the goal of seeking archaeological information to help in the reconstruction of ovens and a bakehouse that are believed to once have stood at the Revolutionary War era fort. [Read more…] about Archaeological Excavations Underway at Revolutionary Fort Plain

National Aviation Day Celebration in Schenectady County August 18-20

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Grumman F-14 TomcatA weekend-long celebration of National Aviation Day will take place from Friday, August 18, 2023 until Sunday, August 20th at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, in Glenville, Schenectady County, NY. The weekend will feature a variety of aviation activities, including tours of the museum’s extensive and unique collection of exhibits and historic aircraft, as well as special presentations and displays. [Read more…] about National Aviation Day Celebration in Schenectady County August 18-20