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Schenectady county, located in upstate New York, has a rich history filled with interesting facts. From the first European settlers to the development of electric power, here are 7 interesting facts about Schenectady county in New York history.
1. The Mohawk River brought the area's first European settlers
The first recorded European settlement in the area that is now Schenectady county was established in the 1660s as a Dutch fur trading post. The Dutch West India Company established the post on the banks of the Mohawk River, which was an important waterway for trade and transportation.
2. Schenectady was almost destroyed by a French and Native American attack
In 1690, during King William's War, French and Native American forces attacked the village of Schenectady, killing dozens of settlers and burning the village to the ground. Many survivors fled to Albany and other nearby settlements.
3. Schenectady was home to the first industrial park in the United States
In the late 19th century, Schenectady became a hub of industry, with General Electric and American Locomotive Company (ALCO) among the major employers. In 1895, GE established the first industrial park in the United States, with several factories and related facilities located in close proximity.
4. Electric power was developed in Schenectady
Thomas Edison founded the Edison Machine Works in Schenectady in 1886, which later became part of General Electric. Many important advances in electric power were made in Schenectady, including the development of steam turbines and the development of the first commercial electricity-generating station.
5. Schenectady was the site of a major immigration station
Ellis Island is often associated with the arrival of immigrants in the United States, but Schenectady was also an important port of entry. The city's immigration station, located on the Mohawk River, processed thousands of immigrants annually in the early 20th century.
6. The movie "A Place in the Sun" was filmed in Schenectady
The classic 1951 film "A Place in the Sun," starring Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift, was partially filmed in Schenectady. The film's climax takes place at a boathouse on the Mohawk River.
7. Schenectady is home to several important colleges and universities
Schenectady is home to several institutions of higher learning, including Union College, Schenectady County Community College, and Ellis Medicine School of Nursing. Union College, founded in 1795, is one of the oldest colleges in the United States.
In conclusion, Schenectady county boasts a rich and diverse history with interesting facts that have helped shape the region into what it is today. From the early Dutch settlers to the groundbreaking advancements in electric power, Schenectady is truly a unique and fascinating place.
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