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

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[[Image:Berne panorama.jpeg|500px|thumb|right|<center>Hilltowns Panorama</center>]]
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[[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]] in the [[Helderberg Mountains]], the northern most part of the Allegheny Plateau.
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"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.
 
"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 [[r:Rensselaerville|Rensselaerville]].
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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.
  
'' '''NOTE: Click on the name of your favorite hill town to go directly there.''' ''
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'' '''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.
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*'''[[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>
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*'''[[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>
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*'''[[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>
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*'''[[k:Knox|Knox]]''' - Knox was formed in 1822 from the northern half of '''[[b:Berne|Berne]]'''.<br>
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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]]''' ==
 
== '''[[This Web Site]]''' ==
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[[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]]'''''.
 
[[This Web Site]] needs your help!  Click [[This Web Site|here]] for '''''[[This Web Site|more information]]'''''.
  
=='''[[bio:Hilltown Biographies|Biographies]]'''==
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=='''[[bio:Hilltown Biographies|Biographies and Stories]]'''==
[[File:BioLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=Bio:Hilltown Biographies|Go to Biographies]]Hilltown [[bio:Hilltown Biographies|Biographies]] will not appear on a search on this part of the site. Click [[Bio:Hilltown Biographies|here]] for '''''[[Bio:Hilltown Biographies|more information.]]
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[[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]]''' ==
 
== '''[[Maps]]''' ==
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== '''[[Schools]]''' ==
 
== '''[[Schools]]''' ==
 
[[File:SchoolLogo.jpg|75px|right|link=Schools|Back to Schools]]
 
[[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. Westerlo joined later the make the [[Berne-Knox-Westerlo]] or BKW.  Click [[Schools|here]] for '''''[[Schools|more information]]'''''.
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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]]''' ==
 
== '''[[Organizations]]''' ==
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== '''[[Hamlets and Communities]]''' ==
 
== '''[[Hamlets and Communities]]''' ==
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[[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]]'''''.
 
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]]'''''.
  
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[[File:TodayLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=Hilltowns Today|Go to Hilltowns Today]]
 
[[File:TodayLogo.jpg|50px|right|link=Hilltowns Today|Go to Hilltowns Today]]
 
[[Hilltowns Today|Hilltowns Today]] offers many activities for visitors and residents. Click [[Hilltowns Today|here]] for '''''[[Hilltowns Today|more information]]'''''.
 
[[Hilltowns Today|Hilltowns Today]] offers many activities for visitors and residents. Click [[Hilltowns Today|here]] for '''''[[Hilltowns Today|more information]]'''''.
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[[Image:Berne panorama.jpeg|700px|thumb|center|<center>Hilltowns Panorama</center>]]
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<references />
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[[:Category:Pages with broken file links|Pages with broken file links]]
  
==Slavery==
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{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles containing {{NUMBEROFFILES}} images.
New York state laws regarding Negro Slavery.<ref>[[Altamont Enterprise]], 8 May 1953</ref>
 
*The emancipation of slaves by the Quakers was legalized in 1798. At that date there were still about 33,000 slaves in the state.
 
*On March 29, 1799, an act was passed for the gradual abolition of slavery in New York. Any child
 
born of a slave after July 4th was to be free at the age of 25 if a girl and 28 if a boy.
 
*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>
 
 
 
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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
'''Sources and Notes'''
 
<references />
 
Number of pages: {{NUMBEROFPAGES}}
 

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

This Web Site

Go to This Web Site

This Web Site needs your help! Click here for more information.

Biographies and Stories

Go to Biographies

Hilltown Biographies and Stories will not appear on a search on this part of the site. Click here for more information.

Maps

Back to Maps

Maps of the Hilltowns date back 250 years. Click here for more information.

History

Go to History

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.

Military History

Back to Military History

All the Hilltowns had volunteers for all the wars and are proud of their military histories. Some wars, like the Anti-rent Wars were local and common to all the Hilltowns. Click here for more information.

Family Histories and Genealogy

Go to Family Histories and Genealogy

Hilltown Family Histories and Genealogy provide details beyond the usual genealogy chart. Visit www.BerneHistory.org for complete genealogies of most Hilltown residents. Click here for more information.

Farms and Lots

Go to Farms and Lots

Hilltown Farms and Lots mirror the history of the people and area. Click here for more information.

Historic Homes

Go to Historic Homes

Hilltown historic homes range from grand estates to humble homes. Click here for more information.

Churches

Go to Churches

Hilltown churches formed and often merged, divided, and disbanded, so tracking churches can be a challenge. Click here for more information.

Cemeteries

Go to Cemeteries

Hilltown cemeteries range from tiny, hidden family plots to huge cemeteries. Click here for more information.

Schools

Back to Schools

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.

Organizations

Go to Organizations

Hilltown organizations united residents and provided services the made life in the Hilltowns more enjoyable. Click here for more information.

Businesses

Go to Businesses

Hilltown businesses have changed over time as technology and resources changed. Click here for more information.

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, villages, communities, and just groups of houses. Click here for more information.

Photo Gallery

Go to Photo Gallery

Hilltown photos record the people, places, and things through out the years. Click here for more information.

External Links

Go to External Links

External Links to other web sites can bring you to valuable sources of information. Click here for more information.

Hilltowns Today

Go to Hilltowns Today

Hilltowns Today offers many activities for visitors and residents. Click here for more information.

Hilltowns Panorama

Pages with broken file links

159 articles containing 354 images.