City of Watervliet
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| City of Watervliet | |
|---|---|
| Name | City of Watervliet |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Arsenal City |
| Coordinates | 42, 43, N, 73... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New York |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Albany County |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1786 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (village) |
| Established date1 | 1836 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date2 | 1896 |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Area total km2 | 3.6 |
| Area total sq mi | 1.4 |
| Area land km2 | 3.1 |
| Area land sq mi | 1.2 |
| Area water km2 | 0.5 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.2 |
| Elevation m | 10 |
| Elevation ft | 33 |
| Population total | 10254 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 12189 |
| Area code | 518 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 36-78785 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0968826 |
| Website | https://www.watervliet.com/ |
City of Watervliet. Located in Albany County, this small city is an integral part of the Capital District metropolitan area. Its history and identity are profoundly shaped by the Watervliet Arsenal, a major federal military installation established in the early 19th century. The city is situated on the west bank of the Hudson River, directly across from the city of Troy.
History
The area was originally part of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck, a Dutch patroonship granted to Kiliaen van Rensselaer. Permanent settlement began in 1786, with the community initially known as Gibbonsville and later West Troy. Its pivotal development commenced in 1813 with the founding of the Watervliet Arsenal by President James Madison during the War of 1812, making it the nation's oldest continuously active arsenal. The arsenal manufactured munitions for every major U.S. conflict, including the American Civil War, World War I, and the Gulf War, driving the community's growth. The village of West Troy was incorporated in 1836 and officially renamed Watervliet in 1910, having achieved city status in 1896. The city was also a key station on the Underground Railroad.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.4 square miles, of which 1.2 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water. It is bordered by the Hudson River to the east, which separates it from Troy and Albany. The Mohawk River empties into the Hudson just north of the city. The Erie Canal historically ran through the city. Its terrain is relatively flat, part of the Hudson Valley floodplain. Major thoroughfares include NY-32 and it is served by the Port of Albany–Rensselaer.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 10,254. The racial makeup was predominantly White and African American, with growing communities of Hispanic or Latino and Asian residents. The population density is among the highest in the Capital Region. Historically, the city saw significant immigration waves, particularly from Ireland and Italy, drawn by work at the arsenal and other industries. Educational attainment levels vary, with a significant portion of residents holding a high school diploma or higher.
Economy
For over two centuries, the economy has been anchored by the Watervliet Arsenal, a primary employer specializing in the manufacture and research of large-caliber cannons and mortars for the Department of Defense. Other significant industrial employers have included the Westinghouse plant. While manufacturing remains central, the economy has diversified to include healthcare, retail, and service sectors supporting the broader Capital District. The city's location along major transportation routes provides access to the markets of Albany, Schenectady, and Troy.
Government and infrastructure
The city operates under a mayor-council form of government. It is part of New York's 20th congressional district and the 20th State Senate District. Essential infrastructure includes the Watervliet City School District, with Watervliet High School as its sole secondary institution. Public safety is provided by the Watervliet Police Department and the paid Watervliet Fire Department. The city is served by the Capital District Transportation Authority bus network and is proximate to Albany International Airport and Interstate 787.
Culture and notable people
The city is home to the Watervliet Historical Society and Museum. Its most prominent landmark is the Watervliet Arsenal, with its iconic 1860s-era Benét Laboratories building. Notable residents have included Hall of Fame baseball manager Joe McCarthy, NFL player and coach Bill Parcells, and actress Maureen Stapleton. The annual Arsenal City Summer Festival is a key community event. The city's architectural heritage includes numerous 19th and early-20th century homes and commercial buildings.
Category:Cities in New York (state) Category:Albany County, New York