History of Rensselaer, New York, USA

General Henry Knox and his troops passed through here in the winter of 1775-76 with a load of 59 cannons pulled by teams of oxen.
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.

1854 - Rensselaer
Rensselaer, a county in the E. part of New York, has an area of about 630 square miles. It is bounded on the W. by the Hudson, and is drained by the Hoosick and Kinderhook rivers, with several smaller streams, which turn numerous grist and saw mills. The surface is generally hilly and broken, and in the E. part mountainous, often thickly covered with pine and other timber. In its numerous valleys, which are sometimes very extensive, the soil is generally of excellent quality. Indian corn, oats, potatoes, and grass are the staples. In 1850 this county produced 469,877 bushels of corn ; 762,734 of oats; 602,595 of potatoes, (the greatest quantity raised in any county in the state ;) 84,642 tons of hay, and 1,336,281 pounds of butter. There were 30 flour and grist mills, 5 breweries, 6 paper mills, 13 cotton and 8 woollen factories, 2 nail factories, 8 iron foundries, 1 carpet factory. 6 stove and furnace foundries, and 12 brush manufactories. It contained 63 churches and 8 news paper... Read MORE...

1895 - Rensselaer
Rensselaer, rén'sel-er, a county in the E. part of New York, bordering on Massachusetts, has an area of about 650 square miles. It is bounded on the W. by the Hudson River, and is drained by the Hoosac River and Kinderhook Creek. The surface is mostly hilly and partly mountainous. The eastern M.' of it is occupied by the rocky and rugged Taghanic Mountains, which present picturesque scenery. The soil of the valleys is fertile. Hay, oats, butter, potatoes, flax, and Indian corn are the staple products. Among its minerals are Silurian limestone, ? and roofing-slate. This county has extensive manuactures of iron, farming-implements, and many other articles. It is intersected by the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad, the Fitchburg Railroad, and branches of the Delaware & Hudson Railroad system, which centre at Troy, the capital of this county. Pop. in 1870, 99,549; in 1880, 115,328; in 1890, 124,511.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Rensselaer (formerly known as Greenbnsh), a city of Rensselaer co., N.Y., on the Hudson River there crossed by several bridges), opposite Albany, on the New York Cen ral and Hudson River and other railroads. It has felt- mills, a tannery, color-works, manufactories of coat-elevators, cigars, chains, etc. The post-office is Albany. Pop. in 1900, 7466.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1949 - MOTHER AND CHILD BURNED TO DEATH.
Rensselaer, N.Y. - (U.P.) - A young mother and her two-year old daughter were burned to death in a fire that swept their two-story home here early today.

Police identified the victims as JEANNINE LINACRE, 20, and her daughter, DIANE.

The LINACRES lived on the lower floor of the two-story home. Another family residing on the second floor escaped.

Police said MRS. LINACRE and her daughter were sleeping on a living room divan when the fire broke out and apparently were trapped.
Coroner ANTHONY MATERA issued a verdict of accidental death.

The two-alarm fire broke out shortly after five a.m. and was put out a half hour later. Cause of the blaze has not been determined.
Dunkirk Evening Observer
Dunkirk, New York
June 30, 1949

Here's a list of places to go and activities to consider in and around Rensselaer:
Hudson River Waterfront Walkway:

Take a stroll along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway for scenic views of the river and Albany skyline.

Fort Crailo State Historic Site:

Explore Fort Crailo, a historic house that serves as a museum, showcasing the Dutch colonial history of the region.

Van Rensselaer Island:

Visit Van Rensselaer Island, a natural area along the Hudson River. It's a nice spot for picnics and birdwatching.

Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station:

If you're a train enthusiast or just enjoy transportation history, the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station is known for its impressive architecture.

Henry Hudson Park:

Enjoy outdoor activities at Henry Hudson Park, which features walking trails, a playground, and riverfront access.

De Laet's Landing:

Visit De Laet's Landing, a riverside area that has been undergoing redevelopment. It's a nice place for a leisurely walk.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que:

Head to nearby Troy and try the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for... Read MORE...