A Study into Arbor Hill: Introduction

When I began my internship earlier this year at The Historic Albany Foundation, I wasn't sure what topic my research would be focused on. Albany is full of spectacular architecture, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to the city, and to applying to intern with HAF. Keeping my social justice minor in mind and with my slight knowledge of the history of redlining in Albany, myself and my internship supervisor landed on the area of Arbor Hill. This neighborhood is located in the northeast section of Albany and dates back to the 17th Century. In more recent history, the neighborhood felt the impact of redlining - the now illegal practice of withholding services (financial/healthcare/insurance) from those who lived in ‘hazardous’ areas, often affecting those of racial and ethnic minorities the most acutely.

This brings us to “A Study of Arbor Hill”. I wanted to explore the beginnings of this neighborhood, its 200-year journey to where it is now, and where its future might lie. Arbor Hill has always been an evolving community, from its lumber industry origins to its life as a residential hub. In this series of blogs I want to delve into the wealth of history, buildings, and stories that lie between Clinton Avenue and Tivoli Street.

In my first post, I will begin with Arbor Hill’s origin - originally a sweeping wooded landscape. After the conclusion of the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and the removal of the stockade around Albany, this area’s development began. In 1815 Arbor Hill was officially annexed into Albany city limits, with the Patroon, Stephen Van Rensselaer,  granting land from the Dutch government. A prominent family (the Ten Broecks) staked their claim and left a permanent mark on the area with the construction of a mansion. Many others choose to build elaborate homes in a variety of architectural styles close by, these buildings an enduring monument that speaks to the prosperity of the time. The causes of this surge of development? Cose proximity to the prosperous lumber industry, and major water and trading route: the Erie Canal.

Photo credit: KIM PARKER

Albany from the East Side of the River, William Hart (1823-1894).
Photo credit - Albany INSTITUTE

“This brings us to “A Study of Arbor Hill”. I wanted to explore the beginnings of this neighborhood, its 200-year journey to where it is now, and where its future might lie….”

Next came the beginning of the Great Migration with thousands of African Americans moving from the rural south to cities in the North of the country to escape discrimination, followed by the Roaring 20s with all its economic prosperity. My second blog will focus on the time period following this: the global catastrophe that was the Great Depression. How would this change the course of Arbor Hill’s development and those who call it home? The steps the Government would take, both in Albany and in cities all around the country, would have a lasting impact for years to come. 

I will then discuss the effect of redlining and how it relates to the present life of Arbor Hill, delving into the history of the red and white X placards that pop up in this area and beyond.

Finally, I will explore a few of the building’s stories, ending with a post about the multitude of projects, businesses, and organizations that focus on improving the community in present day.  

Join me in my study of Arbor Hill.

By Liliana Surgent