Introduction to Watervliet, New York
Watervliet, New York, in Albany county, is 6 miles NE of Albany, New York and 137 miles W of Boston, Massachusetts. The city is included in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metropolitan area. As of the year 2000 census, 10,207 people lived in Watervliet.
Watervliet History
Famed explorer Henry Hudson came to this region sometime around 1609. However, the first settlement began in 1643 and was a part of Rensselaerwyck Patroonship. Shakers settled in the area occupied by the present day city of Watervliet in 1774. The Town of Watervliet was established in 1788 and became a city in 1896. A number of neighboring towns were created from Watervliet, so it is often referred to as the "mother of towns."
Watervliet and nearby Attractions
- Watervliet Arsenal Museum
- Peebles Island State Park
- Rensselaer County Historical Society
- Waterford Historical Museum
- Shaker Heritage Society
- Normanside Country Club
Things To Do In Watervliet
The Peebles Island State Park is situated in a beautiful location at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. It has facilities for hiking and fishing and also has a picnic area. The Watervliet Arsenal Museum is an interesting place featuring artillery exhibits like guns, cannons and howitzers.
Watervliet Transportation
Albany International is the nearest major airport.
Watervliet Higher Education
Siena College, Hudson Valley Community College, SUNY at Albany and Excelsior College provide higher education in the area.