Niskayuna (town), New York
Encyclopedia
Niskayuna is a town in Schenectady County
, New York
. The population was 20,295 at the 2000 census. The town is located in the southeast part of the county, north and east of the city of Schenectady
, and is the easternmost town in the county
Tradition has preserved a few of the following names of the chiefs of the Connestigiune tribe who inhabited this section of the country: Ron-warrigh-woh-go-wa, (signifying in English, the great fault finder or grumbler), Ka-na-da-rokh-go-wa, (signifying a great eater), Ro-ya-na, (a chief), As-sa-ve-go, (big knife), and A-voon-ta-go-wa, (big tree). Of these, the first made the greatest objection to alienating lands to the whites and in each deed he was careful to have a covenant inserted by which the rights of hunting and fishing were preserved to them. It was a common saying of his that "after the whites had taken possession of our lands, they will make Kaut-sore (literally spoon-food or soup) of our bodies." Yet he was on the most friendly terms with the whites and was never backward in extending to them his powerful influence and personal aid during their expedition against the Canadians in the French War. He took great delight in instructing the boys of the settlers in the arts of war and was constantly complaining that the government did not prosecute the war against the French with sufficient vigor. The council fire of the Connestigiune band was held about a mile south of the village.
In 1687, Niskayuna was visited by a spy from the Adirondack tribe, which was an ally of the French. Hunger drove him to the house of a Dutchman by the name of Van Brakle, where he devoured an enormous quantity of the food set before him, which happened to be pork and peas. Although his movements had been made with unusual caution, the eagle eye of the "Grumbler" detected him. He waylaid him on leaving the house of his entertainer and after a short conflict, killed him. Having severed the head of the corpse from the body, he repaired to the house of Van Brakle and threw the head into the window, exclaiming to the owner: "Behold the head of your pea eater."
The first settlers of this town were an independent class of Hollanders who located outside the manor line to avoid the conflicting exactions of the patrons and the trading government of the New Netherlands. It was settled at about the same time as was Schenectady.
Among the early settlers were the Clutes, Craigs, Van Vrankens, Vedders, Vroomans, Groots, Tymersons, Consauls, Pearses, Van Brookhovens, Claases, Jansens, and Kriegers. From an old document it appears that Harmon Vedder obtained a patent for some land here in 1664.
Captain Martin Cregier
, who was the first burgomaster of New Amsterdam, finally settled in Niskayuna, on the banks of the Mohawk, "where the Indians carry their canoes across the stones." In this retired and romantic spot, this brave soldier and just magistrate died in the year 1712.
The Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory
was opened here in 1946. In 1973, the General Electric Engineering Development Center moved from downtown Schenectady
to River Rd in Niskayuna. Today, it is the world headquarters of the four GE Global Research
Centers.
In 2008 a massive ice storm left much of the town in the dark for one to five days and caused a million dollars of damage to property, including several old growth trees.
The following sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
: George Westinghouse Jones House
, Niskayuna Railroad Station
, Niskayuna Reformed Church
, and Rosendale Common School
.
with Saratoga County
, New York
on the opposite bank. The south town line is the town of Colonie in Albany County
, New York
. The town borders the city of Schenectady to the west.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the town has a total area of 15.1 square miles (39.0 km²), of which, 14.1 square miles (36.5 km²) of it is land and 0.9 square miles (2.4 km²) of it (6.25%) is water.
Niskayuna previously received the designation of Tree City USA
though it is not listed on the current Tree City USA roster.
of 2000, there were 20,295 people, 7,787 households, and 5,793 families residing in the town. The population density
was 1,438.3 people per square mile (555.3/km²). There were 8,046 housing units at an average density of 570.2 per square mile (220.2/km²). The town's population was 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The racial makeup of the town was 90.7% White, 6.0% Asian, 1.6% African-American, and 1.6% "Other."http://www.niskayuna.org/Public_Documents/NiskayunaNY_WebDocs/profile
There were 7,787 households out of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.2% were married couples
living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $70,800, and the median income for a family was $79,539. Males had a median income of $59,738 versus $39,692 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $33,257. The average family income in Niskayuna is the highest in the Capital District.http://www.niskayuna.org/Public_Documents/NiskayunaNY_WebDocs/profile
Schenectady County, New York
Schenectady County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 154,727. It is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Schenectady. The name is from a Mohawk Indian word meaning "on the other side of the...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. The population was 20,295 at the 2000 census. The town is located in the southeast part of the county, north and east of the city of Schenectady
Schenectady, New York
Schenectady is a city in Schenectady County, New York, United States, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 66,135...
, and is the easternmost town in the county
History
Niskayuna was formed on March 7, 1809 with an original population of 681. The name of town was derived from the term "Nis-ti-go-wo-ne" or "Co-nis-tig-i-one." The original meanings of the words translate roughly as "extensive corn flats."Tradition has preserved a few of the following names of the chiefs of the Connestigiune tribe who inhabited this section of the country: Ron-warrigh-woh-go-wa, (signifying in English, the great fault finder or grumbler), Ka-na-da-rokh-go-wa, (signifying a great eater), Ro-ya-na, (a chief), As-sa-ve-go, (big knife), and A-voon-ta-go-wa, (big tree). Of these, the first made the greatest objection to alienating lands to the whites and in each deed he was careful to have a covenant inserted by which the rights of hunting and fishing were preserved to them. It was a common saying of his that "after the whites had taken possession of our lands, they will make Kaut-sore (literally spoon-food or soup) of our bodies." Yet he was on the most friendly terms with the whites and was never backward in extending to them his powerful influence and personal aid during their expedition against the Canadians in the French War. He took great delight in instructing the boys of the settlers in the arts of war and was constantly complaining that the government did not prosecute the war against the French with sufficient vigor. The council fire of the Connestigiune band was held about a mile south of the village.
In 1687, Niskayuna was visited by a spy from the Adirondack tribe, which was an ally of the French. Hunger drove him to the house of a Dutchman by the name of Van Brakle, where he devoured an enormous quantity of the food set before him, which happened to be pork and peas. Although his movements had been made with unusual caution, the eagle eye of the "Grumbler" detected him. He waylaid him on leaving the house of his entertainer and after a short conflict, killed him. Having severed the head of the corpse from the body, he repaired to the house of Van Brakle and threw the head into the window, exclaiming to the owner: "Behold the head of your pea eater."
The first settlers of this town were an independent class of Hollanders who located outside the manor line to avoid the conflicting exactions of the patrons and the trading government of the New Netherlands. It was settled at about the same time as was Schenectady.
Among the early settlers were the Clutes, Craigs, Van Vrankens, Vedders, Vroomans, Groots, Tymersons, Consauls, Pearses, Van Brookhovens, Claases, Jansens, and Kriegers. From an old document it appears that Harmon Vedder obtained a patent for some land here in 1664.
Captain Martin Cregier
Martin Cregier
Captain Martin Cregier or Krieger was an early French Huguenot settler of New Amsterdam. He was a prominent citizen of the settlement and served three terms as Burgomaster. Cregier led several successful attacks against the Munsee during the Esopus Wars...
, who was the first burgomaster of New Amsterdam, finally settled in Niskayuna, on the banks of the Mohawk, "where the Indians carry their canoes across the stones." In this retired and romantic spot, this brave soldier and just magistrate died in the year 1712.
The Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory
Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory
Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory is a research and development facility dedicated to the support of the US Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. KAPL is a government-owned, contractor operated laboratory run by Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation for the United States Department of Energy. KAPL is...
was opened here in 1946. In 1973, the General Electric Engineering Development Center moved from downtown Schenectady
Schenectady, New York
Schenectady is a city in Schenectady County, New York, United States, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 66,135...
to River Rd in Niskayuna. Today, it is the world headquarters of the four GE Global Research
GE Global Research
GE Global Research is the research and development division of General Electric.GE Global Research's primary facility is located in Niskayuna, New York. The Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center is a satelite facility located in Van Buren, Michigan...
Centers.
In 2008 a massive ice storm left much of the town in the dark for one to five days and caused a million dollars of damage to property, including several old growth trees.
The following sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
: George Westinghouse Jones House
George Westinghouse Jones House
George Westinghouse Jones House, also known as Caermarthen, is a historic home located at Niskayuna in Schenectady County, New York. It was built about 1900 and designed by the noted architectural firm of Rutan and Russell. It is a rambling, -story gable-roofed frame residence in the Shingle Style...
, Niskayuna Railroad Station
Niskayuna Railroad Station
Niskayuna Railroad Station is a historic railway station located at Niskayuna in Schenectady County, New York. It was possibly built in 1843 by the Schenectady and Troy Railroad and renovated or replaced in the 1880s. It is a one story, rectangular, red brick masonry building on a foundation of...
, Niskayuna Reformed Church
Niskayuna Reformed Church
Niskayuna Reformed Church is a historic Dutch Reformed church located at 3041 Troy-Schenectady Road in Niskayuna in Schenectady County, New York. It was built in 1852 and is a brick, gable roofed building in the Greek Revival style. It has brick pilasters and a brick frieze around the entire...
, and Rosendale Common School
Rosendale Common School
Rosendale Common School, also known as Niskayuna Grange Hall No. 1542, is a historic school building located in the vicinity of Niskayuna in Schenectady County, New York. It was built about 1850 and is a -story, three-by-five-bay, timber-frame building on a limestone foundation. It has a steeply...
.
Geography
The northern and eastern town lines are defined by the Mohawk RiverMohawk River
The Mohawk River is a river in the U.S. state of New York. It is the largest tributary of the Hudson River. The Mohawk flows into the Hudson in the Capital District, a few miles north of the city of Albany. The river is named for the Mohawk Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy...
with Saratoga County
Saratoga County, New York
Saratoga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 219,607. It is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Ballston Spa...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
on the opposite bank. The south town line is the town of Colonie in Albany County
Albany County, New York
Albany County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, and is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. The name is from the title of the Duke of York and Albany, who became James II of England . As of the 2010 census, the population was 304,204...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. The town borders the city of Schenectady to the west.
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 15.1 square miles (39.0 km²), of which, 14.1 square miles (36.5 km²) of it is land and 0.9 square miles (2.4 km²) of it (6.25%) is water.
Niskayuna previously received the designation of Tree City USA
Tree City USA
Tree City USA is a tree planting and tree care program sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation for cities and towns in the United States.- Requirements :...
though it is not listed on the current Tree City USA roster.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 20,295 people, 7,787 households, and 5,793 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,438.3 people per square mile (555.3/km²). There were 8,046 housing units at an average density of 570.2 per square mile (220.2/km²). The town's population was 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The racial makeup of the town was 90.7% White, 6.0% Asian, 1.6% African-American, and 1.6% "Other."http://www.niskayuna.org/Public_Documents/NiskayunaNY_WebDocs/profile
There were 7,787 households out of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.2% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $70,800, and the median income for a family was $79,539. Males had a median income of $59,738 versus $39,692 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $33,257. The average family income in Niskayuna is the highest in the Capital District.http://www.niskayuna.org/Public_Documents/NiskayunaNY_WebDocs/profile
"Niska-Day": an Annual Community Holiday
Established in 1980 by the Niskayuna Community Action Program (N-CAP) in response to a school district report on mental health needs, "Niska-Day" is traditionally celebrated on the second Saturday of May. The festival begins in the early morning with a family foot race. This is followed by a parade and a fair. The day concludes with fireworks (weather permitting). Each year sees the selection of a new theme (e.g., in 2007: "Niska-unity"), and the day aims in general to bring the town's families together for a celebration that will help them recognize and appreciate their shared identity as residents of the town of Niskayuna. New residents sometimes express surprise that, unlike many municipalities, the town of Niskayuna does not sponsor an official observation of the Fourth of July. "Niska-Day" serves as the local substitute.Communities and locations in Niskayuna
- Aqueduct – A hamlet at the northern tip of the town.
- Avon Crest – A large suburban development south of Troy-Schenectady Road.
- Avon Crest North – An extension of Avon Crest to the north of Troy-Schenectady Road.
- Catherine's Woods Estates – A small neighborhood on the east side of the town near the Mohawk RiverMohawk RiverThe Mohawk River is a river in the U.S. state of New York. It is the largest tributary of the Hudson River. The Mohawk flows into the Hudson in the Capital District, a few miles north of the city of Albany. The river is named for the Mohawk Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy...
. - Edison Woods – A small, newer, upscale suburbSuburbThe word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
an development near the Knolls Atomic Power LaboratoryKnolls Atomic Power LaboratoryKnolls Atomic Power Laboratory is a research and development facility dedicated to the support of the US Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. KAPL is a government-owned, contractor operated laboratory run by Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation for the United States Department of Energy. KAPL is...
. - Forest Oaks – A small, upscale development off Pearse Road which borders Albany CountyAlbany County, New YorkAlbany County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, and is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. The name is from the title of the Duke of York and Albany, who became James II of England . As of the 2010 census, the population was 304,204...
. - Niska IsleNiska IsleNiska Isle, despite its name, is not an island, but a peninsula in the town of Niskayuna, New York. Niska Isle is along the Mohawk River's south shore, with a back bay and swamp that surrounds it to the south.-History:...
– A peninsula along the Mohawk RiverMohawk RiverThe Mohawk River is a river in the U.S. state of New York. It is the largest tributary of the Hudson River. The Mohawk flows into the Hudson in the Capital District, a few miles north of the city of Albany. The river is named for the Mohawk Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy... - Hawthorne Hill – A suburban community east of Schenectady.
- Hexam Gardens - a small development between Balltown Rd, Rt. 7, and the Reist Bird Sanctuary.
- Karen Crest – A small development in southwestern part of town near Hillside School.
- NiskayunaNiskayuna (CDP), New YorkNiskayuna is a hamlet in Schenectady County, New York, United States. The population was 4,892 at the 2000 census.The hamlet of Niskayuna is in the Town of Niskayuna.-Geography:Niskayuna is located at ....
– A census-designated placeCensus-designated placeA census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
and hamlet in the southeast part of the town. - "Old Niskayuna" – The area of the town west of Balltown Road and north of Union Street. The term is a misnomer; "Old Niskayuna" is actually the Niskayuna hamlet at the east end of town that once extended well into what is now the Town of Colonie.
- Orchard Park – A small neighborhood situated between GE Global ResearchGE Global ResearchGE Global Research is the research and development division of General Electric.GE Global Research's primary facility is located in Niskayuna, New York. The Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center is a satelite facility located in Van Buren, Michigan...
and Niskayuna High SchoolNiskayuna High SchoolNiskayuna High School is a secondary school in Niskayuna, New York.- History :Niskayuna High School was founded in 1954.Niskayuna High School is to receive $53.2 million to undergo repairs and updates including 8 new classrooms and a new media center, it was completed in April 2011.- Academics :In...
and bordered by Balltown Road on the west and River Road to the north. - Rosendale Estates – A large suburban development in the central part of the town near Rosendale Elementary school and Iroquois Middle School.
- Stanford Heights – A hamlet in the southwest corner of the town that contains a historic mansion once owned by the parents of Leland StanfordLeland StanfordAmasa Leland Stanford was an American tycoon, industrialist, robber baron, politician and founder of Stanford University.-Early years:...
and then later by their son Charles Stanford. - Grand Blvd Estates – A neighborhood on either side of the tree-lined Grand Boulevard mall. Its center mall was once the route of a main trolley line from the Hillside Avenue trolley barns to downtown Schenectady.
- Windsor Estates – Another small, upscale development near GE Global ResearchGE Global ResearchGE Global Research is the research and development division of General Electric.GE Global Research's primary facility is located in Niskayuna, New York. The Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center is a satelite facility located in Van Buren, Michigan...
and the Knolls Atomic Power LaboratoryKnolls Atomic Power LaboratoryKnolls Atomic Power Laboratory is a research and development facility dedicated to the support of the US Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. KAPL is a government-owned, contractor operated laboratory run by Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation for the United States Department of Energy. KAPL is...
(KAPL). The front entrance leads to Van Antwerp Road, the Niskayuna High SchoolNiskayuna High SchoolNiskayuna High School is a secondary school in Niskayuna, New York.- History :Niskayuna High School was founded in 1954.Niskayuna High School is to receive $53.2 million to undergo repairs and updates including 8 new classrooms and a new media center, it was completed in April 2011.- Academics :In...
, and Town Hall, while the back entrance leads to River Road.
Notable residents
- Jeff BlatnickJeff BlatnickJeff Blatnick is a former American Super Heavyweight Greco-Roman wrestler and sports commentator. He won NCAA Division II heavyweight wrestling championships in 1978 and 1979 and an Olympic gold in 1984. As a commentator, Blatnick worked UFC 4 through UFC 32 for the Ultimate Fighting Championship...
– wrestler, Olympic gold medalist - André DavisAndré DavisAndré N. Davis is a American football wide receiver and kick returner who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
– NFL wide receiver - Ivar GiaeverIvar GiaeverIvar Giaever is a physicist who shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1973 with Leo Esaki and Brian Josephson "for their discoveries regarding tunnelling phenomena in solids". Giaever's share of the prize was specifically for his "experimental discoveries regarding tunnelling phenomena in ......
– physicist, 1972 NobelNobel PrizeThe Nobel Prizes are annual international awards bestowed by Scandinavian committees in recognition of cultural and scientific advances. The will of the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the prizes in 1895...
laureate - Steve KatzSteve Katz (musician)Steve Katz is a guitarist and record producer who is best known as a member of the rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears. Katz was an original member of the rock bands The Blues Project and American Flyer...
, musician, Blues Project, Blood, Sweat and Tears - Maureen O'SullivanMaureen O'SullivanMaureen Paula O’Sullivan was an Irish actress.-Early life:O'Sullivan was born in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland, the daughter of Roman Catholic parents Mary Lovatt and Charles Joseph O'Sullivan, an officer in The Connaught Rangers who served in The Great War...
(1911-1998) – actress, mother of Mia FarrowMia FarrowMia Farrow is an American actress, singer, humanitarian, and fashion model.Farrow first gained wide acclaim for her role as Allison Mackenzie in the soap opera Peyton Place, and for her subsequent short-lived marriage to Frank Sinatra... - Ron RivestRon RivestRonald Linn Rivest is a cryptographer. He is the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Professor of Computer Science at MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and a member of MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory...
– cryptographer, co-inventor of the RSA encryption algorithm