New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Great Western Turnpike

The Cherry Valley & Great Western Turnpike: A Short History

by 2 Comments

Repairs on the Great Western Turnpike, 1880sIn the early 1700s the Mohawk Turnpike and the Seneca Turnpike were improved from the rougher Indigenous trails whose routes they utilized into regular, if rough, wagon roads. But it wasn’t until the 1790s that New York State’s turnpike era took off.

This was good news to migrants and local travelers alike, as deep ruts along the former “Indian trails” made transportation impractical and slow. It took days just to go a few miles and the limited number of ferries, bridges and fords often caused wagons to go miles out of their way to get around a lake, river, or creek. [Read more…] about The Cherry Valley & Great Western Turnpike: A Short History

The Early Timber Bridge Over Schoharie Creek at Esperance

by Leave a Comment

New Bridge of Schoharie Creek, Dec 17, 1800 Albany GazetteAlthough there are gaps in the available historical record concerning Theodore Burr’s 1800 bridge spanning Schoharie Creek at Esperance, there are enough tantalizing facts to encourage continuing research for documents, including drawings. [Read more…] about The Early Timber Bridge Over Schoharie Creek at Esperance

“Locusts of the East”: The Yankee Invasion of New York

by 3 Comments

Anthony Finley (1784 – 1836) 1827 Map of New YorkNew York by 1820 was becoming a “colony from New England” to use the phrase of President Timothy Dwight of Yale. The “Puritan Pope,” as he was some­ times called, estimated that 60 to 67 percent of the people of New York had originated in the “land of steady habits.”

The few thousand Puritans who had established a new Zion around Boston in the 1630s were a remarkably energetic, prolific, and self-assertive people. The thin soils on the hilly lands, the harsh winters, and the stern theology of John Calvin created a distinct community spirit and shaped a unique character. [Read more…] about “Locusts of the East”: The Yankee Invasion of New York

The Schoharie Creek Bridges at Esperance, NY

by 1 Comment

postcard bridge across Schoharie Creek at Esperance courtesy of Esperance Historical Society and MuseumWith the conclusion of the War of Independence in 1783, the former colonies, now states, could not move forward commercially or expand westward without new infrastructure, in particular roads and bridges.

Following authorization by state legislatures, these, however, were left to local government and private enterprise to build. [Read more…] about The Schoharie Creek Bridges at Esperance, NY

Theophilus Roessle: From Celery King To Hotelier

by 2 Comments

an Erie Canal packet boat, possibly, as was often the case overcrowded with immigrantsTheophilus Gottlieb Roessle was born in Stuttgart in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, on March 19th, 1811. His father was a successful market farmer and builder in the community. Like many of the children in his homeland, Theophilus received a good quality education that his father supplemented with a solid training in agriculture.

While still a young boy, Theophilus learned the peculiarities inherent in the cultivation of plants. [Read more…] about Theophilus Roessle: From Celery King To Hotelier

We Need Your Help Now More Than Ever

New York Almanack receives no public funds.

It’s supported only by readers like you.

Please give today (a monthly recurring gift is best)

PayPal

Venmo

Patreon

Buy Me A Cup of Coffee

CashApp

Use your bank’s “bill pay” option (or just send a check)

Thanks for your support! These are difficult times. Without your support we cannot publish the Almanack.

*Donations are not tax deductible.

(Click the X in the top right corner this box to not see this message again for 7 days).