Difference between revisions of "Helderberg Hilltowns of Albany County, NY"

Latest revision as of 22:26, 5 January 2017

The four Hilltowns cover the western 40% of Albany County - 1866 Beers Map - Click on the graphic to enlarge it.

"The Helderberg Hilltowns" is a local term for the four towns, (Rensselaerville, Berne, Knox, and Westerlo,) in the hills of western Albany County, New York above the Helderberg Escarpment in the Helderberg Mountains, the northern most part of the Allegheny Plateau. We also have a page for Gallupville, a close neighbor.

"Below the hill" is a local term for the eastern half of Albany County below the Helderberg Escarpment where the "Flatlanders" live. This land is in the Hudson River Valley.

From 1790 - 1795 the four hill towns were one; all part of the newly formed Town of Rensselaerville' which covered the western portion of Watervliet in the Western Manor of Rensselaerwyck.

NOTE: Blue words are links. Click on the name of your favorite Hilltown to go directly there. Other links may be to appropriate web sites

Rensselaerville - formed in 1790 from part of the Town of Watervliet. At that time it included all of what are now the Towns of Berne, Knox, and Westerlo. In 1795 the northern part of the town became the new Town of Berne. Additional territory was taken from the eastern part of the town upon the formation of the Town of Westerlo in 1815.
Berne - formed in 1795 from the northern part of Rensselaerville. In 1822 the northern half of the town became the new Town of Knox.
Westerlo - formed in 1815 from the western part of the Town of Coeymans and eastern part of the Town of Rensselaerville.
Knox - Knox was formed in 1822 from the northern half of Berne.

Although not officially a Helderberg Hilltown, nearby Gallupville in Schoharie County is included on the web site. Many families have branches in Gallupville

Helderberg Hilltowns - an illustrated history is available now. Visit www.BeebeFarm.info to order signed copies with a dedication of your choice. See Pictures tell the stories of the four Helderberg Hilltowns from the July 12, 2012 Altamont Enterprise.

Town sites have many links to local histories. Other reference books cover the entire Hilltowns. Click here for more information.

Hilltowns had numerous one-room schools scattered to be near population centers. school. In 1932 Berne' and Knox joined the form the Berne-Knox Central School District. Westerlo joined later the make the Berne-Knox-Westerlo or BKW. Click here for more information.

Pages with broken file links

159 articles containing 354 images.

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 __NOTOC__
-[[Image:Berne panorama.jpeg|500px|thumb|right|<center>Hilltowns Panorama</center>]]
+[[Image:1866AlbanyCounty.jpg|400px|thumb|right|<center>The four Hilltowns cover the western 40% of Albany County - 1866 Beers Map - Click on the graphic to enlarge it.</center>]]
-"The Helderberg Hilltowns" is a local term for the four towns, ([[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]], [[b:Berne|Berne]], [[k:Knox|Knox]], and [[w:Westerlo|Westerlo]],) in the hills of western [[wikipedia:Albany_County,_New_York Albany County, New York|Albany County, New York]] above the [[Helderberg Escarpment]], the northern most part of the Allegheny Plateau.
+"The Helderberg Hilltowns" is a local term for the four towns, ('''[[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]]''', '''[[b:Berne|Berne]]''', '''[[k:Knox|Knox]]''', and '''[[w:Westerlo|Westerlo]]''',) in the hills of western '''[[wikipedia:Albany_County,_New_York|Albany County, New York]]''' above the '''[[Helderberg Escarpment]]''' in the '''[[Helderberg Mountains]]''', the northern most part of the Allegheny Plateau. We also have a page for '''[[g:Main Page|Gallupville]]''', a close neighbor.
 "Below the hill" is a local term for the eastern half of Albany County below the Helderberg Escarpment where the "Flatlanders" live. This land is in the Hudson River Valley.
-='''HISTORY'''=
-[[Image:HelderbergHilltownsCoverForWeb.jpg|100px|thumb|right|<center>Helderberg Hilltowns - Arcadia Press</center>]]
-'''''Helderberg Hilltowns''''' - an illustrated history is available now. Visit [http://www.BeebeFarm.info www.BeebeFarm.info] to order signed copies with a dedication of your choice. See '''[[Pictures tell the stories of the four Helderberg Hilltowns]]''' from the July 12, 2012 [[Altamont Enterprise]].
+From 1790 - 1795 the four hill towns were one; all part of the newly formed Town of ''[[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]]''' which covered the western portion of Watervliet in the Western Manor of Rensselaerwyck.
-==FORMATION OF THE HILL TOWNS==
-From 1790 - 1795 the four hill towns were one; all part of the newly formed Town of [[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]].
-'' '''NOTE: Click on the name of your favorite hill town to go directly there.''' ''
+'' '''NOTE: Blue words are links. Click on the name of your favorite Hilltown to go directly there. Other links may be to appropriate web sites''' ''
-*[[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]] - formed in 1790 from part of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watervliet,_New_York Town of Watervliet].  At that time it included all of what are now the Towns of [[b:Berne|Berne]], [[k:Knox|Knox]], and [[w:Westerlo|Westerlo]]. In 1795 the northern part of the town became the new Town of [[b:Berne|Berne]].  Additional territory was taken from the eastern part of the town upon the formation of the Town of [[w:Westerlo|Westerlo]] in 1815.
+*'''[[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]]''' - formed in 1790 from part of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watervliet,_New_York Town of Watervliet].  At that time it included all of what are now the Towns of '''[[b:Berne|Berne]]''', '''[[k:Knox|Knox]]''', and '''[[w:Westerlo|Westerlo]]'''. In 1795 the northern part of the town became the new Town of '''[[b:Berne|Berne]]'''.  Additional territory was taken from the eastern part of the town upon the formation of the Town of '''[[w:Westerlo|Westerlo]]''' in 1815.
-*[[b:Berne|Berne]] - formed in 1795 from the northern part of [[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]]. In 1822 the northern half of the town became the new Town of [[k:Knox|Knox]].<br>
+*'''[[b:Berne|Berne]]''' - formed in 1795 from the northern part of '''[[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]]'''. In 1822 the northern half of the town became the new Town of '''[[k:Knox|Knox]]'''.<br>
-*[[w:Westerlo|Westerlo]] - formed in 1815 from the western part of the Town of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeymans,_New_York Coeymans] and eastern part of the Town of [[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]].<br>
+*'''[[w:Westerlo|Westerlo]]''' - formed in 1815 from the western part of the Town of '''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeymans,_New_York Coeymans]''' and eastern part of the Town of '''[[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]]'''.<br>
-*[[k:Knox|Knox]] - Knox was formed in 1822 from the northern half of [[b:Berne|Berne]].<br>
+*'''[[k:Knox|Knox]]''' - Knox was formed in 1822 from the northern half of '''[[b:Berne|Berne]]'''.<br>
+Although not officially a Helderberg Hilltown, nearby '''[[g:Gallupville|Gallupville]]''' in Schoharie County is included on the web site. Many families have branches in Gallupville
+== '''[[This Web Site]]''' ==
+[[File:EditLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=This Web Site|Go to This Web Site]]
+[[This Web Site]] needs your help!  Click [[This Web Site|here]] for '''''[[This Web Site|more information]]'''''.
+=='''[[bio:Hilltown Biographies|Biographies and Stories]]'''==
-== '''[[Description]]''' ==
+[[File:BioLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=Bio:Hilltown Biographies|Go to Biographies]]Hilltown [[bio:Hilltown Biographies|Biographies and Stories]] will not appear on a search on this part of the site. Click [[Bio:Hilltown Biographies|here]] for '''''[[Bio:Hilltown Biographies|more information.]]
 == '''[[Maps]]''' ==
+[[File:MapLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=Maps|Back to Maps]]
 [[Maps]] of the Hilltowns date back 250 years.  Click [[Maps|here]] for '''''[[Maps|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[History]]''' ==
+[[File:HistoryLogo.jpg|71px|right|link=History|Go to History]]'''''Helderberg Hilltowns''''' - an illustrated history is available now. Visit [http://www.BeebeFarm.info www.BeebeFarm.info] to order signed copies with a dedication of your choice. See '''[[Pictures tell the stories of the four Helderberg Hilltowns]]''' from the July 12, 2012 [[Altamont Enterprise]].
 Town sites have many links to local [[History|histories]]. Other reference books cover the entire Hilltowns.  Click [[History|here]] for '''''[[History|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[Military History]]''' ==
-All the Hilltowns had volunteers for all the wars and are proud of their [[Military History|military histories]]. Some wars, like the [[Anti-rent Wars]] were local and common to all the Hilltowns.  Click [[Military History|here]] for '''''[[Military History|more information]]'''''.
+[[File:MilitaryLogo.jpg|75px|right|link=Military History|Back to Military History]] All the Hilltowns had volunteers for all the wars and are proud of their [[Military History|military histories]]. Some wars, like the [[Anti-rent Wars]] were local and common to all the Hilltowns.  Click [[Military History|here]] for '''''[[Military History|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[Family Histories and Genealogy]]''' ==
+[[File:FamilyLogo.jpg|56px|right|link=Family Histories and Genealogy|Go to Family Histories and Genealogy]]Hilltown [[Family Histories and Genealogy|Family Histories and Genealogy]] provide details beyond the usual genealogy chart. Visit [http://www.bernehistory.org/FamilyFiles/default.aspx www.BerneHistory.org] for complete genealogies of most Hilltown residents. Click [[Family Histories and Genealogy|here]] for '''''[[Family Histories and Genealogy|more information]]'''''.
+== '''[[Farms and Lots]]''' ==
-== '''[[Farms and Lot]]s''' ==
+[[File:FarmLogo.jpg|74px|right|link=Farms and Lots|Go to Farms and Lots]]Hilltown [[Farms and Lots|Farms and Lots]] mirror the history of the people and area. Click [[Farms and Lots|here]] for '''''[[Farms and Lots|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[Historic Homes]]''' ==
+[[File:HomeLogo.jpg|87px|right|link=Historic Homes|Go to Historic Homes]]Hilltown [[Historic Homes|historic homes]] range from grand estates to humble homes. Click [[Historic Homes|here]] for '''''[[Historic Homes|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[Churches]]''' ==
+[[File:ChurchLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=Churches|Go to Churches]]Hilltown [[Churches|churches]] formed and often merged, divided, and disbanded, so tracking churches can be a challenge. Click [[Churches|here]] for '''''[[Churches|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[Cemeteries]]''' ==
+[[File:CemeteryLogo.jpg|39px|right|link=Cemeteries|Go to Cemeteries]]Hilltown [[Cemeteries|cemeteries]] range from tiny, hidden family plots to huge cemeteries. Click [[Cemeteries|here]] for '''''[[Cemeteries|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[Schools]]''' ==
-Hilltowns had numerous one-room [[Schools|schools]] scattered to be near population centers. [[Schools|school]]. In 1932 [[b:Berne|Berne]] and [[k:Knox|Knox]] joined the form the Berne-Knox Central School District. Westerlo joined later the make the [[Berne-Knox-Westerlo]]Some wars, like the [[Anti-rent Wars]] were local and common to all the Hilltowns.  Click [[Schools|here]] for '''''[[Schools|more information]]'''''.
+[[File:SchoolLogo.jpg|75px|right|link=Schools|Back to Schools]]
+Hilltowns had numerous one-room [[Schools|schools]] scattered to be near population centers. [[Schools|school]]. In 1932 ''[[b:Berne|Berne]]''' and '''[[k:Knox|Knox]]''' joined the form the Berne-Knox Central School District. '''[[w:Westerlo|Westerlo]]''' joined later the make the '''[[Berne-Knox-Westerlo]]''' or BKW.  Click [[Schools|here]] for '''''[[Schools|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[Organizations]]''' ==
-Regional organizations include:
+[[File:OrganizationsLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=Organizations|Go to Organizations]]Hilltown [[Organizations|organizations]] united residents and provided services the made life in the Hilltowns more enjoyable. Click [[Organizations|here]] for '''''[[Organizations|more information]]'''''.
-*[[k:Kiwanis Club of the Helderbergs|Kiwanis Club of the Helderbergs]]
 == '''[[Businesses]]''' ==
+[[File:BusinessLogo.jpg|74px|right|link=Businesses|Go to Businesses]]Hilltown [[Businesses|businesses]] have changed over time as technology and resources changed. Click [[Businesses|here]] for '''''[[Businesses|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[Hamlets and Communities]]''' ==
+[[File:HamletLogo.jpg|56px|right|link=Hamlets and Communities|Go to Hamlets and Communities]]
 Each of the four Hilltowns covers a large area. Early settlers joined together to create small [[Hamlets and Communities|hamlets, villages, communities, and just groups of houses]].  Click [[Hamlets and Communities|here]] for '''''[[Hamlets and Communities|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[Photo Gallery]]''' ==
+[[File:PhotoLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=Photo Gallery|Go to Photo Gallery]]Hilltown [[Photo Gallery|photos]] record the people, places, and things through out the years. Click [[Photo Gallery|here]] for '''''[[Photo Gallery|more information]]'''''.
 == '''[[External Links]]''' ==
+[[File:ExternalLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=External Links|Go to External Links]]
+[[External Links|External Links]] to other web sites can bring you to valuable sources of information. Click [[External Links|here]] for '''''[[External Links|more information]]'''''.
-==Slavery==
+== '''[[Hilltowns Today]]''' ==
-New York state laws regarding Negro Slavery.<ref>[[Altamont Enterprise]], 8 May 1953</ref>
+[[File:TodayLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=Hilltowns Today|Go to Hilltowns Today]]
-*The emancipation of slaves by the Quakers was legalized in 1798. At that date there were still about 33,000 slaves in the state.
+[[Hilltowns Today|Hilltowns Today]] offers many activities for visitors and residents. Click [[Hilltowns Today|here]] for '''''[[Hilltowns Today|more information]]'''''.
-*On March 29, 1799, an act was passed for the gradual abolition of slavery in New York. Any child
+[[Image:Berne panorama.jpeg|700px|thumb|center|<center>Hilltowns Panorama</center>]]
-born of a slave after July 4th was to be free at the age of 25 if a girl and 28 if a boy.
+<references />
-*In 1817 an act was passed providing for the emancipation of all slaves in 1827 — 36 years before National Emancipation.
-=FOR VISITORS=
-"One of the greatest assets of the Helderberg Escarpment region is its attractiveness for outdoor recreational use. Its scenic vistas and natural surroundings provide the environment for a number of recreational activities."<ref>[http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:GLr8ocpyorgJ:www.mohawkhudson.org/Library/iii-Exec%2520Summary.pdf+helderberg+escarpment+planning+guide&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk Helderberg Escarpment Planning Guide]</ref>
-==Upcoming events==
-*[[Upcoming events for visitors]] who want to know what is coming up when they "Head for the Hills."
-*[[Upcoming Events of Special Interest to Hill Town Residents]].
-Those who wish to post upcoming events on these pages are urged to do so themselves.
-==Past events==
-*[[Researching Your Hilltown Ancestors]] - September 25, 2010 - Octagon Barn, Knox, NY
-*[[HHA promotes local history and products]] - October 17, 2010 - Berne Fire Department Roast Beef Dinner, Berne, NY
-==Visitor attractions and facilities==
-To make it easier for visitors who want to "Head for the Hills," their are now separate pages of visitor attractions and facilities for each of the hilltowns:
-*[[Berne visitor attractions and facilities]].
-*[[Knox visitor attractions and facilities]].
-*[[Westerlo visitor attractions and facilities]].
-*[[Rensselaerville visitor attractions and facilities]].
-And for those who like to hike:
-*[[Hill town trails]]
-=FOR FUN=
-*[[Then and Now]] - a series of images of buildings and locations in the Hilltowns comparing and old photo with a current image of the same scene.
-'''[ [[Berne - Then and Now| Berne]] ] [ [[Knox - Then and Now| Knox]] ] [ [[Westerlo - Then and Now| Westerlo]] ] [ [[Rensselaerville - Then and Now| Rensseleaerville]] ]'''
-*[[Antique Motor Vehicles]] - identify the make, model, and year of the the old vehicles.
-*[[Helderberg Landscapes]] - showing the beauty of the Albany hill towns.
-=FOR HILL TOWNERS=
-==Helderberg Hilltowns Association==
-[[Helderberg Hilltowns Association]] - promoting the economic development of the Helderberg Hilltowns
-==General ideas for towns, farms and other businesses==
-To move towards these goals, this site is encouraging visitors to [[Head for the Hills - the Helderberg Hilltowns]] as an inexpensive and close-by alternative to New England. Visitors will spend money, and thus boost the local economy and hopefully slow development and subdivision of farm land.
-==Upcoming events==
-*[[Upcoming Events of Special Interest to Hill Town Residents]]
-*[[Upcoming events for visitors]] who want to know what is coming up when they "Head for the Hills."
-==Promoting the hill towns==
-[[Proposals to promote the hill towns]] has ideas for towns, farmers, and other businesses to promote themselves to folks from below the Helderbergs who want to visit the hill towns.
-==Specific proposals==
-Here are farther suggestions for farmers and businesses: [ [[Proposals for town of Berne, farmers and businesses| Berne]] ] [ [[Proposals for town of Knox, farmers and businesses| Knox]] ] [ [[Proposals for town of Westerlo, farmers and businesses| Westerlo]] ] [ [[Proposals for town of Rensselaerville, farmers and businesses| Rensselaerville]] ]
-=External Links=
-==Further research==
-[http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc7079.htm Rensselaerwyck Manor Papers] in the NYS Library, Albany.
-==Albany Hilltown Companion sites==
-*[http://albanyhilltowns.blogspot.com/ Helderberg Hilltowns] - a blog to keep people up to date on the latest activities and postings on this site. It is an alternative for folks who do not want to join Facebook.
-*[http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=39859776842 Albany County Hilltowns] - A Facebook group is for folks interested in:
-:- History of the hill towns of Albany County and the people who lived there.
-:- Historic building preservation in the hamlets and countryside of the hill towns.
-:- Preservation of the farmland and scenic beauty.
-:- Promoting farms and farm activities.is a place for discussions this site and to keep informed of new developments on this site.
-You don't have to be a member of FaceBook to visit the site and see what is happening. It is safe to visit.
-*[http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=39859776842#/group.php?gid=186705153492&ref=mf Head for the Hills - the Helderberg Hilltowns] - a Facebook group dedicated to encouraging folks to visit the four Albany hill towns. You don't have to be a member of FaceBook to visit the site and see where we are headed.
 ----
+[[:Category:Pages with broken file links|Pages with broken file links]]
-'''Sources and Notes'''
+{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles containing {{NUMBEROFFILES}} images.
-<references />

Difference between revisions of "Helderberg Hilltowns of Albany County, NY"

Latest revision as of 22:26, 5 January 2017

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