Introduction to Rensselaer, New York
Rensselaer, New York, in Rensselaer County, is 1 mile SE of Albany, New York and 132 miles N of New York, New York. The city is conveniently located inside the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metropolitan area.
Rensselaer History
The area was initially a part of Rensselaerwyck manor. It was then known as Greenbush. In 1815, Greenbush was incorporated as a village, and it became a city in 1897. In the same year, it was renamed Rensselaer in honor of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, the original landowner of New Netherland. The Port of Albany-Rensselaer was constructed in 1932, which led to significant industrial development in the area.
Rensselaer and nearby Attractions
- Fort Crailo
- Henry Hudson Planetarium
- New York State Museum
- Thompson's Lake State Park
- Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site
- Berkshire Botanical Garden
Things To Do In Rensselaer
Rensselaer is home to Fort Crailo, which is also known as the Crailo State Historic Site. The Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, the New York State Capitol, Mount Lebanon Shaker Village, the Rensselaer County Historical Society, the New York State Museum and the Watervliet Arsenal Museum are some of the historic sites and museums in the area. Peebles Island State Park, located at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers, offers fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities, while swimming, hiking and biking can also be enjoyed at John Boyd Thacher State Park or at Thompson's Lake State Park.
Rensselaer Transportation
Albany International is the nearest major airport.
Rensselaer Higher Education
Siena College, SUNY at Albany, Hudson Valley Community College and Excelsior College are among the nearby colleges.
