Albany County, New York

Albany County, New York
source
County	Albany County
State	New York
Founded	November 1, 1683
Seat	Albany
Largest city	Albany
Area total sq mi	533
Area land sq mi	523
Area water sq mi	10
Population as of	2020
Population total	314,848
Population density sq mi	601

Albany County, New York. Located in the Capital District, it is home to the New York State Capitol and the Empire State Plaza. The county is bordered by Rensselaer County to the east, Columbia County to the southeast, Greene County to the south, Schoharie County to the southwest, and Montgomery County and Schenectady County to the west. The county seat, Albany, is also the capital of New York and is home to institutions such as the University at Albany, Albany Medical College, and the New York State Museum.

Geography

The county's geography is characterized by the Hudson River to the east and the Mohawk River to the north, with the Adirondack Mountains and the Catskill Mountains located nearby. The Albany Pine Bush preserve, a unique ecosystem and home to the Karner blue butterfly, is also located within the county. The county's terrain is generally flat, with some hills and valleys, and is drained by several watersheds, including the Mohawk River watershed and the Hudson River watershed. Nearby cities and towns include Troy, Schenectady, and Amsterdam, which are connected to Albany by Interstate 90 and Interstate 87. The county is also home to several parks and nature reserves, including the John Boyd Thacher State Park and the Peebles Island State Park.

History

The county has a rich history, dating back to the early 17th century when it was inhabited by the Mohican and Iroquois tribes. The area was first settled by Dutch colonists in the 1630s, who established the Rensselaerswyck colony, which included present-day Albany and Rensselaer. The county was officially established in 1683 and was named after the Duke of Albany, later King James II. During the American Revolution, the county was a key location for the Continental Army, with George Washington and Benedict Arnold both playing important roles in the area. The county was also home to several important events and figures, including the Albany Congress and Alexander Hamilton. Nearby historic sites include the Saratoga National Historical Park and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 314,848, with a diverse range of ethnic and racial groups, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, and Native Americans. The county is also home to a large number of Jewish Americans, with several synagogues and Jewish community centers located throughout the area. The median household income in the county is around $60,000, with a range of industries and occupations, including health care, education, and government. Nearby institutions include the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the Albany Law School, and the SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

Government

The county is governed by a charter government, with a county executive and a legislature composed of 39 members. The county is also home to several state and federal government agencies, including the New York State Department of Health and the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. The county has a long history of political activity, with several notable figures, including Mario Cuomo, Nelson Rockefeller, and Eliot Spitzer, all having served in public office. Nearby government institutions include the New York State Capitol, the Empire State Plaza, and the United States Federal Building.

Economy

The county's economy is diverse, with a range of industries, including health care, education, and government. The county is home to several major employers, including the State University of New York and the Albany Medical Center. The county is also a hub for technology and innovation, with several startups and venture capital firms located in the area. Nearby economic institutions include the Albany International Airport, the Port of Albany-Rensselaer, and the New York State Department of Economic Development. The county is also home to several major companies, including General Electric, IBM, and GlobalFoundries.

Education

The county is home to several institutions of higher education, including the University at Albany, Albany Medical College, and the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The county is also served by several school districts, including the Albany City School District and the Guilderland Central School District. The county has a strong commitment to education, with several notable figures, including Erasmus Hall, Emma Willard, and Amos Eaton, all having played important roles in the development of education in the area. Nearby educational institutions include the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the Siena College, and the Maria College. The county is also home to several libraries, including the Albany Public Library and the New York State Library.

Category:New York (state) counties