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History of Cambridge, New York, USA
Journey back in time to Cambridge, New York, USA
Explore Cambridge, New York, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Cambridge Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

The Town of Cambridge, formerly in Albany County, New York, was transferred to Washington County in 1791, shortly after the United States gained independence in the American Revolutionary War.
Cambridge Village, incorporated within the township in 1866, was home to the Cambridge Hotel. According to local lore, the hotel originated the dessert known as pie a la Mode.
Explore even more about Cambridge, New York, USA. Keep reading!
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Discover Cambridge: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1854 - Cambridge
Cambridge, a post-township of Washington county, New York, 33 miles N. N. E. from Albany. Population, 2593.
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.
Cambridge, a post-township of Washington county, New York, 33 miles N. N. E. from Albany. Population, 2593.
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.
The Village of Cambridge was a quiet rural community until 1855, when the Albany & Rutland Railroad connected it to Rutland VT, to the north and New York's Capital District to the South.
www.cambridgeny.gov/ history.html
www.cambridgeny.gov/ history.html
1859
CAMBRIDGE, a township of Washington co., in the state of New York, 34 m. NE of Albany. It is level, and is watered by the Hoosic river and its tributaries. The soil consists of gravelly loam. Pop. 2,005.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
CAMBRIDGE, a township of Washington co., in the state of New York, 34 m. NE of Albany. It is level, and is watered by the Hoosic river and its tributaries. The soil consists of gravelly loam. Pop. 2,005.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
The Village of Cambridge was incorporated in 1866, combining the hamlets of Cambridge and North White Creek. About one-third of the Village is in the Town of Cambridge, and two-thirds in the town of White Creek.
www.cambridgeny.gov/ history.html
www.cambridgeny.gov/ history.html
1873 - SERIOUS ACCIDENT Two Men Killed and Eleven Wounded Near Cambridge, N. Y.
Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.
CAMBRIDGE, N. Y., March 30. - The New York and Montreal express-train, on the Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad, consisting of an engine, and express passenger and one of Wagner's sleeping cars ran off the track about two and a half miles north of this village, about 11 o'clock last evening. Two persons were killed and eleven wounded. The accident happened upon a high embankment, and was caused by the track being upheaved by the frost. The engine went off the right side of the track down a steep embankment, a distance of about fifty feet, and rolled once and a half over, completely demolishing it and instantly killing Frederick Downs, of Salem, N. Y., who was upon the engine, and Patrick Monahan, the fireman. The rest of the train ran off on the left side of the embankment, the cars striking on their ends and sides. The passengers wounded were:
Dr. S. S. Fitch, of New York City, fatally.
Henry Connors, the engineer of the train, probably... Read MORE...
Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.
CAMBRIDGE, N. Y., March 30. - The New York and Montreal express-train, on the Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad, consisting of an engine, and express passenger and one of Wagner's sleeping cars ran off the track about two and a half miles north of this village, about 11 o'clock last evening. Two persons were killed and eleven wounded. The accident happened upon a high embankment, and was caused by the track being upheaved by the frost. The engine went off the right side of the track down a steep embankment, a distance of about fifty feet, and rolled once and a half over, completely demolishing it and instantly killing Frederick Downs, of Salem, N. Y., who was upon the engine, and Patrick Monahan, the fireman. The rest of the train ran off on the left side of the embankment, the cars striking on their ends and sides. The passengers wounded were:
Dr. S. S. Fitch, of New York City, fatally.
Henry Connors, the engineer of the train, probably... Read MORE...
1884 - A VILLAGE ON FIRE. ACKLEY HALL AND OTHER BUILDINGS IN CAMBRIDGE DESTROYED.
Cambridge, N. Y., Dec. 23. - This morning, at 2 o'clock, Ackley Hall, which was used as a roller skating rink, was discovered to be on fire. The flames spread rapidly, and it was found impossible to save the building, which was soon lapped up by the flames, which spread to the three-story brick building adjoining, owned by J. B. JERMAIN, of Albany, and occupied by E. N. TEFFT, grocer, on the first floor. The second story was occupied as a dwelling by H. O. BARTON and family. The third story was unoccupied. The JERMAIN building was destroyed, and the flames continued to spread eastward, fanned by a furious southwest wind. The next building in the path of the flames was a three-story brick building owned by HARVEY CARPENTER and occupied by LeGRYA & WORTH as a jewelers' store on the first floor. The second floor was used as a carpet room by MR. CARPENTER. The third floor was occupied by ASA MEAD as sleeping apartments. In a short time this building was also destroyed. The flames then... Read MORE...
Cambridge, N. Y., Dec. 23. - This morning, at 2 o'clock, Ackley Hall, which was used as a roller skating rink, was discovered to be on fire. The flames spread rapidly, and it was found impossible to save the building, which was soon lapped up by the flames, which spread to the three-story brick building adjoining, owned by J. B. JERMAIN, of Albany, and occupied by E. N. TEFFT, grocer, on the first floor. The second story was occupied as a dwelling by H. O. BARTON and family. The third story was unoccupied. The JERMAIN building was destroyed, and the flames continued to spread eastward, fanned by a furious southwest wind. The next building in the path of the flames was a three-story brick building owned by HARVEY CARPENTER and occupied by LeGRYA & WORTH as a jewelers' store on the first floor. The second floor was used as a carpet room by MR. CARPENTER. The third floor was occupied by ASA MEAD as sleeping apartments. In a short time this building was also destroyed. The flames then... Read MORE...
1895 - Cambridge
Cambridge, a post-village of Washington co., N.Y., in a valley, on the Rensselaer & Saratoga Railroad, 35 miles N.N.E. of Albany, and 12 miles S. of Salem. It is partly in Cambridge township, but mostly in White Creek. It contains the Cambridge Washington Academy, a national bank, 7 churches, a foundry, 2 grist-mills, a saw-mill, and a newspaper office. Pop. 1530. The township is traversed by the Greenwich & Johnsonville Railroad. Stations, South Cambridge and West Cambridge.
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
Cambridge, a post-village of Washington co., N.Y., in a valley, on the Rensselaer & Saratoga Railroad, 35 miles N.N.E. of Albany, and 12 miles S. of Salem. It is partly in Cambridge township, but mostly in White Creek. It contains the Cambridge Washington Academy, a national bank, 7 churches, a foundry, 2 grist-mills, a saw-mill, and a newspaper office. Pop. 1530. The township is traversed by the Greenwich & Johnsonville Railroad. Stations, South Cambridge and West Cambridge.
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
1916
Cambridge, a banking post-village of Washington co., N.Y., on the Delaware and Hudson R., 35 miles NNE. of Albany. Pop. in 1900, 1578.
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
Cambridge, a banking post-village of Washington co., N.Y., on the Delaware and Hudson R., 35 miles NNE. of Albany. Pop. in 1900, 1578.
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
Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in and around Cambridge:
Cambridge Valley Farmers' Market:
Start your visit by exploring the local flavors at the farmers' market. It's a great place to find fresh produce, artisanal products, and handmade crafts.
Battenkill River:
If you're a fan of outdoor activities, the Battenkill River is a must-visit. Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply strolling along the riverbanks, this scenic spot has something for everyone.
Cambridge Historical Society:
Dive into the town's history at the Cambridge Historical Society. Learn about the area's past through exhibits, artifacts, and maybe even a chat with a local historian.
Hubbard Hall:
This cultural gem hosts various events, from theater productions to art exhibitions. Check their schedule to see if there's a performance or show during your visit.
Cambridge Freight Yard:
A hub for creativity, the Cambridge Freight Yard is home to artists' studios and galleries. Take a leisurely stroll through this artistic space and appreciate the ... Read MORE...
Cambridge Valley Farmers' Market:
Start your visit by exploring the local flavors at the farmers' market. It's a great place to find fresh produce, artisanal products, and handmade crafts.
Battenkill River:
If you're a fan of outdoor activities, the Battenkill River is a must-visit. Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply strolling along the riverbanks, this scenic spot has something for everyone.
Cambridge Historical Society:
Dive into the town's history at the Cambridge Historical Society. Learn about the area's past through exhibits, artifacts, and maybe even a chat with a local historian.
Hubbard Hall:
This cultural gem hosts various events, from theater productions to art exhibitions. Check their schedule to see if there's a performance or show during your visit.
Cambridge Freight Yard:
A hub for creativity, the Cambridge Freight Yard is home to artists' studios and galleries. Take a leisurely stroll through this artistic space and appreciate the ... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Cambridge Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Cambridge, New York, USA
We currently have information about 67 ancestors who were born or died in Cambridge.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Cambridge, New York, USA
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