History of Stephentown, New York, USA

Stephentown, a post-township forming the S. E. extremity of Rensselaer co., New York. Population, 2622.

Stephentown, ste’ven-town, a post-village in Stephentown township, Rensselaer co., N.Y., on the Harlem Extension Railroad, 5 miles N. of Lebanon Springs, and about 10 miles N.W. of Pittsfield, Mass. It has 2 churches, 4 stores, a saw-mill, and 30 dwellings. The township contains a village named Latham, and has a pop of 2048.

Stephentown was formed from Rensselaerwyck March 29, 1784, and named in honor of Stephen Van Rensselaer. In 1791 the town of Petersburgh was taken off, and in 1806 the size of the town was still further decreased by taking off parts of Nassau and Berlin. The town is in the southeastern part of the county. It is bounded on the north by Berlin, on the east by the State of Massachusetts, on the south by Columbia county and on the west by Nassau. In shape it is an equilateral quadrangle.

The town is one of the most picturesque in the county or within a radius of many miles, rivaling the famed Berkshire hills of Massachusetts. Hills, many of them rocky and precipitous, abound everywhere. The Taghkanic mountains traverse the eastern part of the town and the Petersburgh mountains the western part, both extending in a northerly and southerly direction. Through the narrow and deep valley between them the Black and Kinderhook creeks flow toward the south. There is very little level or...

Cherry Plain State Park:

Explore the beautiful Cherry Plain State Park, which covers over 2,400 acres and offers a range of outdoor activities. You can go hiking, picnicking, swimming in Black River Pond, or fishing in the various lakes and ponds.

Grafton Lakes State Park:

Just a short drive from Stephentown, Grafton Lakes State Park is another great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts numerous hiking trails, several lakes for swimming and fishing, and even a sandy beach for sunbathing.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church:

The historic St. Stephen's Episcopal Church is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. Even if you're not religious, it's worth visiting to appreciate its craftsmanship.

Day Trip to Nearby Towns:

Use Stephentown as a base to explore nearby towns like Troy, Albany, and Williamstown, MA. Each of these places offers its own unique attractions, from museums and shopping to dining and entertainment.

Visit the Lush Meadows...