History of Halfmoon, New York, USA

Records show that land in Halfmoon was purchased and developed in 1667. The majority of lands compromising Halfmoon were once a part of the Van Schaick Pattent of 1674.

www.townofhalfmoon.org/ history.asp

The town of Halfmoon was formed while still part of Albany County in 1788.

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(Halfmoon, NY) - The name was briefly changed to “Orange” when the town of Waterford was created in 1816 from part of Halfmoon, but the current name was restored in 1820.

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Industry in Halfmoon was slow to develop until the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825. At this point, many new mills appeared and new industries were founded.

www.townofhalfmoon.org/ history.asp

In 1828, the western portion of the town of Halfmoon was used to create the town of Clifton Park.

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1854 - Halfmoon
Halfmoon, a post-township of Saratoga co., New York, on the Hudson river, 12 miles N. from Albany. Population, 2788.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1869 - (Halfmoon, NY) - In the northern part of town, in an area apart from any established community, Halfmoon resident Joshua Anthony developed his famous spice factory.
He began his operations in 1869 with the manufacture of baking powder and cream of tartar.
www.townofhalfmoon.org/ history.asp

1895 - Half Moon
Half Moon, a post-township of Saratoga co., N.Y., about 15 miles N. of Albany, is bounded on the E. by the Hudson River, and on the S. by the Mohawk. It borders on the Erie Canal. It contains a part of Mechanicsville, also villages named Crescent and Middletown. It has 9 churches. Pop. 3188. Half-Moon Post-Office is at Middle Town.
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

1899 - TOWN OF HALFMOON.
Halfmoon occupies a part of the southeastern corner of the county. It is bounded on the north by Malta and Stiliwater, on the east by the east bounds of the county, on the south by Waterford and the south line of the county, and on the west by Clifton Park. The Revised Statutes define the town as follows:

The town of Halfmoon shall contain all that part of said county bounded northerly by Anthony's Kill, easterly by the east bounds of the county, southerly by Waterford and the south bounds of the county, and westerly by a line beginning at the outlet of Round Lake; then running south to the east side of William Gates' grist mill; then southerly through the centre of the mill pond across the bridge over said pond; then southerly to the west side of Joseph Merrill's dwelling house; then south to the Van Schaick line, then along said line to the Mohawk river, varying the same at the dwelling house of Ephraim Stevens so as to leave the same on the west side of the line.

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1916
Halfmoon, a post-township (town and village) of Saratoga co., N.Y., about 15 miles N. of Albany, is bounded on the E. by the Hudson River and on the S. by the Mohawk. Pop. in 1900, 5101 ; of the village, about 150.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

A Solar Town Hall was constructed in 1978. Being the first Town Hall with solar energy in the United States, Halfmoon became known as “Solartown, USA.”

www.townofhalfmoon.org/ history.asp

There are plenty of places to explore and things to do in and around Halfmoon. Here's a list to get you started:
Peebles Island State Park: This beautiful state park is located at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. It offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, and fantastic views of the surrounding rivers. The park is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Erie Canalway Trail: If you enjoy cycling, walking, or running, the Erie Canalway Trail is a must-visit. It stretches for miles and provides a scenic route along the historic Erie Canal. You can explore the locks, bridges, and picturesque landscapes along the way.

Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve: This preserve is perfect for those who love the outdoors. It features walking trails through wetlands, woodlands, and along the old Erie Canal. You can also learn about the history of the area at the visitor center.

Hudson Crossing Park: Another fantastic park along the Hudson River, Hudson Crossing Park offers a playground, picnic areas, and interpretive panels about the history of the Hudson River and the... Read MORE...