The USS Slater is a World War II destroyer docked on the Hudson River in Albany. It was used during World War II to fight Nazi U-Boats in the North Atlantic and is the only one of these destroyer escorts still on the water in the United States. Following a 15-year restoration, the boat has been completely restored to its original glory, so much so that one can see where the sailors lived and carried out their daily exercises and operations. The Deck-by-Deck tour is particularly popular and offers an interactive experience that's sure to thrill all ages. Besides guided tours, the museum also offers a unique overnight camping activity where tourists get to live like a navy sailor.
This 1762 Georgian mansion of the Schuyler family overlooks the Hudson River and was home to one of Albany's most prominent families. Philip J. Schuyler was a Revolutionary War general, Senator and businessman, and the home was the location of several 'Revolutionary War Room' sessions, as well as the marriage site of Schuyler's daughter to the first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. The home is open for tours throughout the year, but the schedule varies according to season.
Drawing its inspiration from Paris' Hôtel-de-Ville, the New York State Capitol Building is a marvel of late 19th-century architecture. Lying nestled with numerous stately buildings of the Empire State Plaza, this capitol building was duly designated a National Historic Landmark in 1979. Awash in fine semblances of Romanesque and Neo-renaissance architectural styles, this capitol is like a striking palatial edifice sitting amid rolling green lawns and well-pruned gardens. With its French-style exterior of white marble imported from Maine, it was more expensive to build than the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. One of the highlights here is the 'Million Dollar' Staircase in the main lobby, which is lavishly adorned with a tapestry of carved stone sculptures. The capitol grounds shelter a teal-hued statue of George Washington, while its ornate insides house the majestic New York State Assembly chamber. The crowned jewel of Albany, the courtly New York State Capitol is an unmatched architectural wonder.
Enshrouded in the contemporary cacophony of downtown Albany, the Empire State Plaza is a striking ensemble of glorious government buildings. A string of stirring artworks, collectively called the Empire State Art Collection, further augments the sheer historic appeal of this place. Deeply entrenched in a long-standing history, the plaza was built over a period of 17 years between 1959 and 1976, around the New York State Capitol building, which predates the plaza. Strewn across the plaza's expanse is a tapestry of noteworthy edifices like the Wadsworth Center, the Egg, the Legislative Office Building, the Corning Tower and the capitol itself. In addition, the plaza also shelters a tapestry of memorials, paying homage to civilians, fighters, and victims the country lost to various wars. The observation deck at Corning Tower provides astounding views of Albany's dynamic cityscape, whereas the New York State Museum lends stirring insights into the state's historical and cultural legacy. Sheltering emblematic buildings bathed in the finer nuances of Brutalist, Modernist and International architecture, the Empire State Plaza solidifies the progressive and political tenor of New York.
Cherry Hill was the former home of the aristocratic Van Rensselaers, a family that traces its origins to the Netherlands. The home was built in 1787 and ever since then, five generations had lived in the home until the Putnam Rankin family finally relinquished it in 1963. The home transformed into a museum shortly thereafter with the help of local benefactors. Most of the exhibits feature their daily life over two centuries; some artifacts include manuscripts, books, photographs and documents together with furnishings, and household items.
The Urger is the epitome of the 'little tugboat that could.' Built in 1901, it has been pushing people and boats around the Midwest and Northeast waterways for over a hundred years. Moreover, it is definitely one of the oldest working vessels in the country today and it still charters people around the scenic towns along the Hudson River. The crew ferries people on the river during the Summer and Fall seasons only.
The USS Slater is a World War II destroyer docked on the Hudson River in Albany. It was used during World War II to fight Nazi U-Boats in the North Atlantic and is the only one of these destroyer escorts still on the water in the United States. Following a 15-year restoration, the boat has been completely restored to its original glory, so much so that one can see where the sailors lived and carried out their daily exercises and operations. The Deck-by-Deck tour is particularly popular and offers an interactive experience that's sure to thrill all ages. Besides guided tours, the museum also offers a unique overnight camping activity where tourists get to live like a navy sailor.
Clifton Park Center Baptist Church and Cemetery was established in 1837.The church is a brick construction of Greek Revival design. In 2004, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The historic Van Schaick House has since its establishment in 1735, played a key role in most wars that have shaped the history of America. It has served as a military headquarters for numerous colonial generals and leaders for the Indian and French Wars. It was also claimed the New York State Capitol in the August of 1777, as per Governor Clinton's commands. As of 1971, it was enlisted in the US National Register of Historic Places and in 2008, it was deemed a part of the New York State Revolutionary War Heritage Trail, making it one of the most significant historic houses in the state of New York.
The Melville House and Museum is certainly an important landmark and was once the abode of famous author, Herman Melville. Currently, this historical house is under the purview of Lansingburgh Historical Society, and can be toured with prior appointment only.
This space is a beautiful venue for performing arts and worship. The Chapel + Cultural Center (C+CC) features spiritual living in 1960s architecture. Owned and operated by a non-profit corporation, the C+CC Center facilitates artistic endeavors in its terrace, lawns and assembly space. The building is a wonderful meeting ground for gatherings, concerts, fairs, memorial services, community breakfasts, and exercise classes. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
Christman Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary was established, with the efforts of William W. Christman, to conserve the stellar natural features and wildlife of the area. Nature enthusiasts at the park will not be disappointed with the lush trails and abundance of native creatures. The imposing waterfall, nestled in a spectacular setting at Bozenkill is one of the most prominent features of this park.