Interesting Facts About Albany

Albany became the state's capital in 1797. The city is actually one of the oldest surviving settlements from the original thirteen colonies.

Another interesting fact, the state Capital has 17 stairs on the western entrance and 77 on the eastern entrance. This in honor the year 1777, when New York created the current state government replacing it's colonial government .

Albany's original name was Beverwijck and founded by the Dutch as a fur trading post. The English took over in 1664, renaming it to Albany in honor of the Dutch of Albany.

Before Washington Park become what we know it today as, it was the State Burial site housing close to 40,000 bodies. Those buried there were relocated to the Albany Rural Cemetary in the 1840's.

Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, once lived in the pink house next to McGeary's, just north of Pearl Street.

Also, 'Wicked' author Gregory Macguire was born and raised in Albany. He graduated SUNY Albany.

Albany is not only the home to perforated toilet paper but also is home of the very first plastic compound used in billiard balls.

The Half Moon weathervane on top of the SUNY Building is North America's largest; clocking in at about 800 pounds.