Altamont in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Great Fire
Altamont, New York
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El Gran Incendio
Altamont, New York
| — | The Museum in the Streets | — |
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, March 24, 2019
1. The Great Fire Marker
On 30 April 1886, Fire Tore through the business district of Knowersville, leveling all five buildings of the Lockwood Estate, including the drug and dry goods store of Davenport & Fredericks, the carriage factory of VanBenscoten & Warner, the shoe store of James Ostrander, the blacksmith shop of John Friday, and the tin shop and residence of Charles Taber. Also lost were the meeting rooms of Noah Lodge 754, F. & A. M, and those of Triumph Lodge 388, I. O. G. T. The row of buildings opposite the church was destroyed in the fire, approximately 123 to 137 Maple Avenue The cause of the fire was never definitively determined. In the fire's aftermath, a movement for reliable fire protection began, leading to the incorporation of the Village and the creation of a fire department.
Erected by The
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Disasters. In addition, it is included in the The Museum in the Streets: Altamont, New York series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 30, 1886.
Location. 42° 42.15′ N, 74° 2.004′ W. Marker is in Altamont, New York, in Albany County. It is on Maple Road (New York State Route 146), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Altamont NY 12009, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, in the Capital District, and in the Albany Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Enterprise Building / Edificio Enterprise (a few steps from this marker);
Photographed by Trudi Jacobson, May 4, 2024
2. The Great Fire / El Gran Incendio Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 411 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 26, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 2. submitted on May 4, 2024, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
