This City In New York Is Older Than The United States Itself
New York State is full of history, from its part in the American Revolution, immigration, urban evolution and so on. But did you know there’s a city in New York State that’s actually older than the country itself?
In fact, Albany, our state’s capital is 167 years older the the U.S., as it was claimed in 1609 and the United States only became a country in 1776. However, Albany didn’t become New York’s state capital until years after the United States was created in 1797.
The city’s 400-year-old history goes back to when English explorer, Henry Hudson, who the river is named after, first arrived in the area. The town went on to be a hub for fur trade and eventually agriculture, exporting wheat to New York City.
Interestingly enough, Albany was the birthplace of various inventions including the telegraph, electric motor, and celluloid plastic.
In modern times, Albany is home to more than 100,000 residents—right in the middle of Schenectady (68,000) and Syracuse (144,000). Did you know NYC’s Broadway (the longest street in New York City covering 150 miles) actually stretches all the way to Albany, New York?
Beyond that, Albany was ranked as the best place to live in New York State in 2024 by U.S. News & World Reports. So if you’re ever nearby, be sure to check out this historical city.
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