|
Welcome to the New York History and Genealogy Network. This is is a central point of entry to independent not-for-profit web sites with historical or genealogical content. Although independent, it is affiliated with both The American Local History Network and the American History and Genealogy Project. To learn more about either of these groups, click the link above. This page is available for hosting. Please contact Debbie. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
RENSSELAER COUNTY was taken from Albany in 1791. Greatest length 30, greatest breadth 22 miles; centrally distant from New York N. 156, and from Albany E. 10 miles. The eastern portion of the county is broken and hilly, and in some places rather mountainous and interspersed with fertile valleys. The central and western part is diversified with hills, and a gently undulating surface. It has extensive valleys and flats of alluvion, with a warm rich soil; and the uplands have an easy soil, well adapted to the various purposes of agriculture. There is an abundance of mill sites, and the numerous streams irrigate every portion of the country. Though short, they possess, from their great fall, much hydraulic power. The principal on the north are the Hoosick, and its tributaries the Little Hoosick and Tomtenick; on the south Kinderliook, and its branches Tackawasick and Valitie creeks; the Poesten and Wynant kills, and Moordenaar’s creek. This county had partial settlements at a very early period of our history, and has long sustained a very considerable population. The whole of the county, except the towns of Schagticoke, Pittstown, Hoosick, and north part of Lansingburg and part of Troy, is comprised within the Rensselaerwyck patent, leased under the ordinary rent, in farms, at ten bushels of wheat the hundred acres. The county contains 13 towns and the city of Troy. (Historical Collections of the State of New York, Past and Present, John Barber, Clark Albien & Co. 1851)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
