History of Athens, New York, USA

1704 - Zion's Lutheran Church is established in Athens
This is one of the oldest churches in Greene County. It was organized in 1704. At that time and for many years after, it formed one of the stations of a circuit embracing Albany and New York, and the places between. The first minister who officiated among the little congregation at Loonenburg was the Rev. Justus Falkner.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1780 - Early Settlers of what would become Athens
Previous to the Revolution the number of inhabitants was very small, a comparatively short list would embrace the names of all who inhabited the town at that time. With the exception of the Van Bergens living near Potick, the western part of the town had no inhabitants that can be mentioned with certainty. The Brandows and the Persons were the only dwellers on that part of the Corlaers Kill Patent within the limits of this town, and a few scattered families of Van Loons, and Hallenbecks, with a few others, composed the population of Loonenburg, this side of Fountain Flats. The following is believed to be a list of families living here in 1780:

Isaac Schram, Phillip Conine, Aaron Faulkner, John Coonley, Frans Clow, Petrus Egbertson, Jacob Hallenbeck, Abraham Provoost, John C. Hallenbeck, Jerry Clow, John Clow, John Hallenbeck, Jacob I. Van Loon, John M. Van Loon, Conradt Flaack, Cornelius De Groot, Shadrach Sill, Albertus Van Loon, John G. Voogd, Caspar Jans Hallenbeck, Clement... Read MORE...

1800 - The Beginning of Athens Village
The Beginning of Athens Village

The Northrup Purchase. - In the year 1800 what is now the village of Athens was simply a large farm. At the southeastern part and near the river was an old stone house, built by Jan Van Loon in 1706, and then occupied by his grandson, John Matthias Van Loon. His father, Matthias, gave to his son-in-law, Stephen Van Dyck, a lot at the northeast corner of his river front, or as the deed, dated May 3rd 1764, describes it, "a lot of land on the side of Hudson river, a little north of where a small run of water comes into the river, between the dwelling houses of said Van Loon and Stephen Van Dyck." This house stood a few feet east of the present post-office, about 50 feet from the northeastern corner of Washington and Second streets, and in 1800 was owned by Marshall Jenkins. South of this was another small lot given to Peter Fonda, whose wife, Christina, was also a daughter of Matthias Van Loon. Upon it was a small stone house, which at that time was... Read MORE...

1826 - Dutch Reformed Church organized in Athens
This church was organized May 22nd 1826, the following being the list of original members: David Shaw and wife Mary Debzel, Leonard Whitbeck and wife Rebecca Van Loon, Jane Whitbeck, William A. Brandow and wife, Isaac Collier and wife, Garret W. Sager and wife, Joseph Groom, Magdalena Salisbury wife of John Hamilton, Elizabeth Netterville, wife of John Reed, Elizabeth wife of Caspar Van Loon.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1832 - Baptist Church planned in Athens
On the 2nd of October 1832, a meeting was held at King’s school-house to take into consideration the propriety of erecting a Baptist church. A church society was duly organized at a meeting held in the same place, November 12th 1832, at which the 18 articles of faith were read, and G. S. Turner and Ethan S. Fox were chosen deacons.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1845 - Wreck of the Swallow
Wreck of the Swallow

One of the most thrilling events connected with the history of this village, was the wreck of the steamer Swallow. She started from Albany for New York at 6 o’clock P.M., April 7th 1845. The steamers Rochester and Express started soon after, and there was evidently a strife as to which should make the quickest trip. Dooper Island was at that time a rock 60 to 70 feet across, and 10 feet above water at high tide. At 8 o’clock the steamer Swallow, while going at the rate of fourteen knots an hour, struck this rock with a violence that sensibly shoot the earth for quite a distance, and the shock was heard at the distance of a mile. The bow of the boat ran to the height of 20 feet above the rock, and broke in two. There were 259 passengers on board, of which number 25 were drowned. The night was exceedingly dark, with a slight snow squall. An investigation made by a committee of the State Senate, seemed to establish the fact that the disaster was wholly caused by... Read MORE...

1854 - Athens
Athens, a post-borough of Greene county, New York, on the W. bank of Hudson river, 29 miles below Albany, and opposite the city of Hudson. It contains 5 or 6 churches and numerous stores. Incorporated in 1805. Estimated population in 1852, 1400. A steam ferry-boat plies between Athens and Hudson. Population of the township, 2986.
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.

1871 - Roman Catholic church established in Athens
This denomination has a small, but neat and convenient house of worship. Before it was built services were held in the house of Matthew Breasar, on the northeast corner of Warren and Third streets. Father Kilbride, of Albany, was the first priest who officiated here. A lot was bought April 19th 1871, of David Whiting, by Alexander O. Hamlin, James Brennan, John Gill, and James Dunn, the deed covering "All that irregular shaped block of Lots No. 12, 14, 16, 18, in Esperanza, on the south side of Goodrich St., and between Shingle and Timber streets." The present membership is about 40, and the present pastor of the church is one whose influence for good is generally acknowledged.
History of Greene County New York with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men J.B. Beers,1884

1884 - Athens
The town of Athens is bounded on the north by the town of Coxsackie, east by the Hudson River, south by the town of Catskill, and west by the town of Cairo. Its greatest length is about seven miles, and its width in the widest part along the river, is about five and one-half miles. The surface, like that of all the towns in this county, is exceedingly diversified. The principal geographical features of the eastern part of the town, are three ranges of hills running from north to south. The first of these, rising from the river, attains its greatest elevation about one and one-half miles from the shore, and bears the general name of Spoorenberg, or Spoor’s Hill, from the name of a family, which, in early times, occupied a homestead at its northern part. West of this range, lie the Athens Flats, a low valley of excellent land, with an average width of three-quarters of a mile. Next comes a range of rocky hills, known to the Dutch settlers as the Myneberg, or Mine Hill, from early... Read MORE...

1895 - Athens
Athens, a post-town of Greene co., N.Y., is on the W. bank of the Hudson River, opposite the city of Hudson, and 28 miles S. of Albany. A steam ferry-boat plies be tween this place and Hudson. Helderberg limestone is quarried here and burned for lime. The village has 7 churches, 2 schools, a newspaper office, and manufactures of earthenware, brick, and ship-building. It is the southern terminus of a branch of the New York Central Railroad. Pop. in 1890, 2024; of Athens township, 2876.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Athens, New York, to help you make the most of your visit:
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse: Start your exploration with a visit to the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, which stands proudly at the confluence of the Hudson River and the Athens Channel. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history of this iconic structure and enjoy stunning views of the river.

Riverfront Park: Head to the Riverfront Park for a relaxing day by the Hudson River. It's a great spot for a picnic, leisurely walks, or simply to soak in the picturesque views. You might also catch some local events and festivals here.

Historic Athens Walking Tour: Athens boasts a rich history, and you can explore its historic district on foot. Stroll through the charming streets lined with well-preserved 19th-century buildings. Pick up a map or join a guided tour to learn about the town's fascinating past.

Athens Cultural Center: This community center often hosts art exhibitions, music concerts, and cultural events. Check their schedule to see if there are any interesting exhibitions ... Read MORE...