Schenectady in Schenectady County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Elizabeth Van Rensselaer Gillette, MD

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 1, 2026

1. Elizabeth Van Rensselaer Gillette, MD Marker

Inscription. Born in Granby, Connecticut on October 21, 1874, At the age of eight she survived a typhoid outbreak that took the life of her older sister. Educated in Connecticut schools, she entered New York Medical College and Hospital for Women.. graduating in 1898.

After completing training and working in New York City clinics, she opened her practice in Schenectady in 1900. As one of the earliest female physicians and the first female surgeon in the county, she was warmly Iwelcomed by her medical colleagues and was invited to join the county Medical Society.

She frequently made house calls from her 254 Union Street office by horse and carriage. In 1904 she purchased a 14-horsepower Maxwell automobile and became a familiar sight around town. Upon her 50th year of practice, she was honored by the Medical Society for meritorious service. She continued to practice until her retirement at the age of 85. She died on June 26, 1965.

Sculptor and Caster Dexter Benedict
Dedicated 2026

Erected 2026.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is June 26, 1965.

Location. 42° 48.972′ N,

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73° 56.541′ W. Marker is in Schenectady, New York, in Schenectady County. It is at the intersection of Union Street and Erie Boulevard, on the left when traveling west on Union Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 252 Union 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: Member, New York State Assembly (here, next to this marker); Founder, Schenectady Humane Society (here, next to this marker); West College (a few steps from this marker); Stockade Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); The “Original” Erie Canal (about 600 feet away,

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 1, 2026

2. Elizabeth Van Rensselaer Gillette, MD Marker

This marker is the middle plaque.

Dr. Gillette’s former residence is the gray building in the background.

measured in a direct line); The Military Barracks / Folkie A. and Jane H. Ryley House (about 800 feet away); Thomas Edison Arrived at Schenectady (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Miller and Sons Boarding House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schenectady.

More about this marker. This is the middle plaque of three markers erected near the site of her former residence.

Regarding Elizabeth Van Rensselaer Gillette, MD. The sculpture still needs to placed at this site. The pedestal for it can be seen in the second photo.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Elizabeth Gillette. (Submitted on July 4, 2026, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2026, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2026, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.