New York's capital and the oldest continuously chartered city in America. Albany combines historic Dutch heritage, important government institutions, and cultural significance as the economic and cultural hub of New York's Capital District.
101,317
2024 estimate1797
Oldest chartered city913,000
4th largest in NYMultiple
Including oldest state museumAlbany is the capital city of New York State and the economic and cultural core of New York's Capital District. With a population of 101,317 (2024), Albany is one of the oldest surviving European settlements from the original Thirteen Colonies and the longest continuously chartered city in the United States. The city became New York's permanent capital in 1797 and is located on the west bank of the Hudson River, approximately ten miles south of its confluence with the Mohawk River.
A center of higher education and government, Albany's economy depends on state government, healthcare services, and growing high-technology industries. The city's strategic location has made it a transportation hub since the early 19th century, contributing to its economic development and cultural significance.
Initially dominated by Mohican and Mohawk peoples, then Dutch and Germans. English takeover in early 19th century was followed by Irish immigration (outnumbering other groups by mid-19th century), then Italians and Poles. Mid-to-late 20th century saw large African-American population growth through Great Migration from rural South.
Established 1836, the oldest and largest state museum in the United States. Over 100,000 square feet of exhibition space at Empire State Plaza. Free admission. Features Native Peoples of New York, Adirondack Wilderness, historic fire engines, American stoneware, and more.
Founded 1791, New York's oldest museum. Large collections of Hudson River School paintings, Ancient Egypt exhibits, fine art, ceramics, furniture, and rotating exhibitions representing Albany's rich cultural heritage.
WWII-era Cannon-class destroyer escort operating as museum ship on Hudson River. Last WWII destroyer escort still afloat in America. Seasonally open April-November for tours.
Historic mansion offering guided tours with Visitor Center orientation exhibition. Associated with Philip Schuyler and early Albany history.
Iconic government complex housing the State Capitol, State Museum, State Library, and State Archives. Major cultural and government center of Albany.
Comprehensive research collections housed at Empire State Plaza. Important historical and governmental records, serving researchers and public.
Nine accredited four-year institutions operate in Albany area, with diverse options ranging from large public research universities to small private colleges and online programs.
Albany became the permanent capital of New York State in 1797. The city's strategic location on the Hudson River and its economic importance made it the ideal choice. Albany is the oldest continuously chartered city in the United States, tracing its origins to 1614 when Dutch colonists established Fort Nassau for fur trading.
Yes, guided tours of the New York State Capitol are available Monday through Friday at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. The Capitol building is open Monday-Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM and closed most weekends and holidays. The building is a National Historic Landmark constructed between 1867-1899, featuring Romanesque and French Renaissance architecture with solid masonry construction.
Albany was the birthplace of several major innovations including the telegraph, electric motor, and celluloid plastic. The city was also the point of origin for the first long-distance airplane flight and the first passenger railroad in America. In 1853, Erastus Corning consolidated ten railroads stretching from Albany to Buffalo into the New York Central Railroad.
Albany offers several significant museums including the New York State Museum (oldest and largest state museum, free admission with 100,000+ sq ft of exhibitions), the Albany Institute of History & Art (1791, New York's oldest museum with Hudson River School paintings and Egyptian exhibits), and the USS Slater WWII destroyer escort (seasonal April-November tours). The Schuyler Mansion offers guided tours, and Empire State Plaza houses the State Library and Archives.
The New York State Capitol was completed in 1899 at a cost of $25 million (equivalent to approximately $794 million in modern dollars), making it the most expensive government building of its time. The building took 32 years to construct (1867-1899) with three teams of architects overseeing the project: Thomas Fuller, Leopold Eidlitz and Henry Hobson Richardson, and Isaac G. Perry.
Albany is the economic and cultural center of New York's Capital District, with the metropolitan area having an estimated 913,000 residents, making it the fourth-most populous metropolitan area in New York State. The region includes Albany County and surrounding areas, serving as a major hub for government, education, healthcare, and emerging high-technology industries.
Albany is home to nine accredited four-year institutions including University at Albany (SUNY) with 18,000 students, Skidmore College (3,000 students), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (elite STEM school), Union College, and others. The city has been a center of higher education for over a century, and university presence helps stimulate growth of high-technology industries in the region.
Albany offers diverse outdoor recreation including biking, hiking, fishing, and figure skating in the city's parks and facilities. The Department of Recreation operates scheduled programs year-round with playgrounds, pools, athletic courts and fields, community centers, skating rink, skateboard park, and gyms. Special attractions include the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail (9-mile converted railroad) and Ann Lee Pond (180-acre urban oasis with pond, wetlands, forest and meadows).
Last updated on November 24, 2025