#WhereinAlbany - 2 Ashgrove Place

This week’s #WhereinAlbany was the stunning 2 Ashgrove Place, located in the Mansion Historic District in the South End of Albany. This building has a rich and long history; it was originally built in 1839 by stonemason Alexander Gray and his son, before being enlarged in 1863. The unique circular belvedere that sits atop the Greek Revival building (and must have some incredible views) was also added during this time.

These changes were made by Samuel Schuyler (1811-1894), a prominent African American businessman and owner of the Schuyler Towboat Line (later renamed Samuel Schuyler & Company). Samuel was named after his father (1781-1842) the prosperous riverboat captain, whom it has been speculated was enslaved by the ‘white’ Schuyler family:

“Albany County manumission records report that a slave named Sam purchased his freedom in 1804 for $200 from Derek Schuyler. It is possible, but by no means certain, that Sam is the same man later referred to as Captain Samuel Schuyler”

(Exploring the History of the Black Hudson River Schuylers - Hudson River Maritime Museum)

The elder Samuel first appears in Albany records in 1809 as a “free person of color”, he worked his way up from the docks, eventually owning several sloops and running a very successful riverboat business. The company continued to expand by way of trading in grain and coal, and investing in real estate and railroading. He was buried at Albany Rural Cemetary, his memorial “engraved with three chain links” in recognition of his career.

Samuel (the younger) and his brother Thomas continued to grow the company after their father’s passing, modernizing with steamboats, owning several blocks of Albany’s South End, and being recognized for their philanthropic work. Samuel was not only the president of the company but also held positions as president of the First National Bank and Director in the Commerce Insurance Company.

When Samuel died, 2 Ashgrove Place became a medical dispensary (which also at one point became an open-air school for tuberculosis. It is now a private condominium, but we’d love to take a peek inside the belvedere one day and take in the view.

Want to know more?
> Friends of Albany History ‘Samuel Schuyler – Afro-American Riverboat Captain’
> Hudson River Maritime Museum Exploring the History of the Black Hudson River Schuylers