Schenectady in Schenectady County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Stockade District
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, January 18, 2025
1. The Stockade District Marker
You are standing in the oldest residential neighborhood in the country. Continuously inhabited for more than 300 years, Schenectady's Stockade District boasts the highest concentration of historic period homes in the United States.
Nestled between the city's downtown and harbor, the Stockade was once wilderness, home to the Mohawk Tribe of the Iroquois Nation of Native Americans. Dutch merchants and fur traders first settled an outpost here in 1661, recognizing the areas strategic proximity to the Mohawk River. It quickly grew into the colonial gateway to America's western frontier.
With the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, commercial activity shifted a half-mile east (where Erie Boulevard now stands). The Stockade evolved into the vibrant residential neighborhood it remains today.
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Stockade by the Numbers
300 years continuously inhabited
40 pre-Revolutionary homes
82 acres in size
In 1795, Union College opened in the Stockade as the state's first chartered college (it would move to its current campus in 1814).
In 1962, New York recognized the Stockade District as the state's first-ever Historic District. Today, this vibrant community continues to celebrate its legacy, hosting street festivals and walking tours through its historic homes.
In 1775, George Washington spent the night at nearby 58 Washington Ave.
Erected by Schenectady
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1661.
Location. 42° 48.994′ N, 73° 56.861′ W. Marker is in Schenectady, New York, in Schenectady County. It is at the intersection of North Church Street and Union Street, on the right when traveling south on North Church Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 North Church St, Schenectady NY 12305, 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 the North Atlantic Region, 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: Dutch Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Site of Dutch Church (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, January 18, 2025
2. The Stockade District Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Arendt Van Curler (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on March 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 244 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 18, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
