Altamont in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Inn of George Severson
Photographed by Howard C. Ohlhous, November 19, 2011
1. Inn of George Severson Marker
Built at close of Revolution
First Post Office of
West Guilderland as
this place was then called
Erected 1932 by New York State Education Department.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list.
Location. 42° 42.013′ N, 74° 2.012′ W. Marker is in Altamont, New York, in Albany County. It is on Altamont Blvd (New York State Route 156), on the right when traveling east. The marker is roadside and at the edge the Stewarts parking area. 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 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: Wayside Inn / Posada Wayside (within shouting distance of this marker); Commercial Hotel / Hotel Comercial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fredendall Funeral Home / La Funeraria Fredendall (within shouting distance of this marker); Delaware & Hudson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Knowersville House / Casa Knowersville (about 300
this page online
Regarding Inn of George Severson. George Severson inherited the "Wayside Inn" from his father who had rented the property from patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer. After the anti-rent wars, George Severson was able to purchase the property, which is currently the site of the Stewarts shop. The inn prospered as it served as a relay point for travelers and stage coaches on the road to the Heldebergs and Schoharie.
The building of the new Schoharie and Albany Plank Road in 1849 rerouted travelers along what is now Western Avenue. With the loss of patrons, the inn soon closed its doors. Even with the development of the railroad depot and the short lived Schoharie and Albany Plank Road which was abandoned in 1867, the inn never reopened.
Upon his death, George Severson left an attic full of documents and papers telling the story of life at the Wayside Inn. He served not only as an innkeeper, but also a merchant, a postmaster and a town tax assessor.
Photographed by Howard C. Ohlhous, November 19, 2011
2. Inn of George Severson Marker
View is to the east, down Route 156.
Photographed by Howard C. Ohlhous, November 19, 2011
3. Inn of George Severson Marker
At the Stewarts in Altamont
Historic American Building Survey
4. Inn of George Severson
The Inn of George Severson no longer exists. It was documented in the Historic American Building Survey before 1933.
Photographed by Trudi Jacobson, May 4, 2024
5. Inn of George Severson Marker
Photographed by Trudi Jacobson, May 4, 2024
6. Inn of George Severson Marker
View is to the east, down route 156.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 1,049 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 26, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 5, 6. submitted on May 4, 2024, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
