Downtown in Albany in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Historic State Street
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 11, 2017
1. Historic State Street Marker
This section of State Street is arguably the oldest continuously operating commercial avenue in the United States.
What began as a path in the woods cut by Native peoples and Dutch beaver trappers and traders became the main east-west route for trade in and out of Albany in the 1600s. Buildings in the Dutch style – both homes and businesses – lined the lower portion of the street by the early 1650s.
Over your left shoulder is Wellington Row. In the mid-1800s each of these buildings was a fashionable townhouse. In the early 20th century the row was transformed for commercial use, as seen above. The buildings fell derelict in the 1990s. Advocacy led by Historic Albany Foundation spurred a developer to save the buildings, resulting in the preserved row you see today.
Erected 2016 by Albany Cultural Heritage and Tourism Partnership, New York State Museum, Downtown Albany and SUNY.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles.
Location. 42° 39.046′ N, 73° 45.294′ W. Marker is in Albany, New York, in Albany County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on State Street (New York State Route 5) east of Eagle Street
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Frederick (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Peter's Church (within shouting distance of this marker); NYS Capitol & Albany City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); An English Neighborhood (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Frederick (within shouting distance of this marker); The Albany Academy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Fort Frederick (about 300 feet away); The King's Highway (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albany.
Also see . . .
1. Wellington Hotel. Hudson Valley Ruins website entry (Submitted on May 16, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Signs of life on Wellington Row. Albany Times-Union website entry
The facade — all that remains of the former Berkshire Hotel at 140 State St. — will front a new, five-story building housing four condominiums. Next door, at the former Elks Lodge at 138 State, Aeon Nexus Corp. of Glens Falls will consolidate out-of-state operations with 12 employees to start. (Submitted on April 22, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Historic State Street Marker (tall view; marker visible near sidewalk at right)
3. Governor Cuomo Announces Ribbon Cutting at Renaissance Albany Hotel. Governor's Press Office website entry:
Governor Cuomo announced the conclusion of a $49 million renovation of the historic DeWitt Clinton Hotel building at the corner of State and Eagle Streets. The new Renaissance Albany Hotel is part of a series of revitalization efforts to help attract visitors and drive business to downtown Albany.
Significant steps were taken to incorporate original architectural details and design elements into the historically rehabilitated property. Original woodwork, murals, ceiling medallions, terrazzo floors and etched bronze elevator doors have been expertly restored and are on display throughout.
The redevelopment of Wellington Row will complement other downtown revitalization efforts, including the Albany Convention Center, which will be fully connected to the parking garage and hotel upon completion. (Submitted on April 22, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 11, 2017
3. Wellington Row (perspective view from near marker)
4. Wellington Row
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 595 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 22, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
