...Through History

Most visitors to the Park come to walk the scenic trails and view wildlife, but the Park has a rich history:

Native Americans occupied New York State for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans. The Mohican tribe occupied the Hudson River Valley when the Europeans arrived in the early 1600s. Members of the Mohican tribe led by Monemin, a Mohican chief, occupied a village on the Island.

1609 - Henry Hudson’s mate and 4 crew (from his ship, the Half Moon, anchored just south of present-day Albany) took a small boat up the Hudson River and passed the Island.

1668 - Philip Schuyler and Goosen Gerritsen van Schaick received a patent from the Governor for the Island (including Van Schaick and Green Islands). The Dutch referred to the Island as Haver Island.

1677 - The Title of the Island was confirmed to Van Schaick’s widow (Annatje) and her children.

1681 - Philip Schuyler conveyed to Annatje his land on the Island.

1757 - A British fort was built across from Peebles Island at present Waterford village (near location of current boat launch).

1777 - During the Revolutionary War, the Continental army encamped at Van Schaick and Peebles Islands with the intent to engage the British army heading south from Montreal. Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko designed earthwork fortifications on Peebles Island that still exist. The British army was defeated at the Battles of Saratoga before reaching Peebles Island.

1804 - The first bridge to cross the Hudson River was built connecting Waterford with Lansingburgh. Most north-south traffic then crossed the bridge. Prior to this bridge, most travel between Albany and Montreal followed a dirt road that crossed the Island.

1835 - The Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad was completed crossing Peebles and Van Schaick Islands - one of the first railroads in New York State.

1865 - Anthony Peebles, the son of Maria van Schaick and Gerrit Pebbles, inherited the Van Schaick interest in Peebles Island.

1909 - Cluett, Peabody and Company bought the Island from Mary Peebles.

1916 - Matton Shipyard was relocated from Waterford to Van Schaick Island.

1973 - The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) bought Peebles Island.

1989 - Matton Shipyard was purchased by OPRHP.

Peebles Island is for the Birds!

The Park is more and more popular for bird watchers of all ages who marvel at our resident Bald Eagles to migratory birds throughout the year. On a two-hour walk in early May, 2019, forty varieties of birds were identified.

Ever wonder what is in the old factory buildings on Peebles Island?

It is the headquarters for the Bureau of Historic Sites and Bureau of Historic Preservation Field Services that supports the State's historic sites. See an example of their work in this 7 minute video on the Marshall House Flag. Colonel Ellsworth mentioned in the video was born in Malta, NY, grew up in Mechanicville, NY and was buried in Mechanicville.

What is Matton Shipyard?

The Park is also the headquarters for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor that promotes New York's canal system and adjoining communities. The Corridor is leading an initiative to develop the historic Matton Shipyard , which is a rare surviving example of an early 20th century ship building and repair facility.

Can we rent the pavilion?

The pavilion on Peebles Island overlooks the Hudson River and is booked nearly every weekend in season for weddings, anniversaries, graduation and birthday parties, etc. For questions or to reserve the pavilion, please visit this page. The bride and groom for this photo were at the pavilion on the eve of their wedding making sure final preparations were set. The white chairs and tents were provided by their caterer.