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

Gateway Landing

Schenectady Harbor 1660 - 1820

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, November 25, 2011

1. Gateway Landing Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Head of navigation on the Mohawk, this thriving gateway post funneled traders, soldiers and settlers west for over 160 years. Warehouses -- filled with furs, grain, salt, potash and other goods -- lined the far bank of the Binnekill. Hundreds of river bateaux and later Schenectady Boats were made in nearby boatyards. Gen. Philip Schulyer departed this site Aug. 21, 1792 to survey the Mohawk. His Western Inland Lock Navigation Company (1792-1820) pioneered the way for the Erie Canal. The harbor was destroyed in the great fire of 1819.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Erie Canal series list. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1804.

Location. 42° 49.048′ N, 73° 57.112′ W. Marker is in Rotterdam, New York, in Schenectady County. Marker is on SCCC Loop, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in Gateway Landing Park which is in the Town of Rotterdam. The marker is near the gazebo and dock. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Schenectady NY 12305, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

Gateway Landing Marker - Artwork Detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, November 25, 2011

2. Gateway Landing Marker - Artwork Detail

"Schenectady Harbor"-- 1814 L.F. Tantillo 1992 The image on this marker is based on an orginal 1992 painting by Len F. Tantillo. The painting depicts the Stockade area of the city shortly before the great fire of 1819. A Mohawk River bateau makes its way toward the wharf.

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George S. Haswell III (here, next to this marker); Schenectady (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Frontier (within shouting distance of this marker); Circa 1824 (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Home of Aaron Dickinson (about 800 feet away); ca 1786 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Robert Sanders House 1750 (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1832-1838 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rotterdam.

Additional keywords. Van Slyck Island

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, November 25, 2011

3. Gateway Landing Marker

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 6, 2008

4. Gateway Landing Marker

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, December 29, 2011

5. Gateway Landing Marker

The Mohawk River flows to the east beyond the railroad bridge in the background. The Schenectady Stockade is across the remains of the Binnekill, to the right behind the marker. The Binnekill at one time was an arm of the Mohawk River.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 758 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on March 3, 2012, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 27, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 4. submitted on February 28, 2012, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 5. submitted on December 29, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.