Few American cities can boast a more concentrated collection of history, architectural treasures, color, culture and pleasurable lifestyle than the Stockade Historic District in Schenectady

"The Stockade" as it is known to locals, got its name from the wooden fort first first built by Dutch Colonists as protection for their trading settlement in the mid 17th century.  By 1661 a charter was issued for the village of Schenectady  from the Dutch governor.  You can still see and feel the Dutch influence in the architecture and in historic plaques mounted on many buildings throughout the area.  There were three historic stockade structures between 1661 and the late 1700's, all now gone.  The last stockade structure was removed  following the Revolutionary War -- but the name remains -- a testament to the first, and in many ways the finest neighborhood in Schenectady. 

Families, Artists, and Retirees

The stockade  today is blessed with a mixture of young families, students from the nearby Schenectady County Community College and Union College, an arts colony, and long term residents, many of whom are lifelong employees or retirees from General Electric.  Every turn reveals wonderful homes, hidden gardens with bright, magical colors and cheerful architectural details from an era long gone.

No matter where you are in the Stockade Historic District, you are less than three blocks from the pleasant an peaceful Riverside Park which graces the shores of the Mohawk River.  The paved walkway and wooden benches contribute to make this a delightful place for a quiet riverside stroll, a quick jog, or a family picnic.  You can play a game of one-on-one basketball or tennis and children can play in the newly restored playground.  

You can swim in the nearby city pool, although swimming in the river is discouraged.  If you feel lucky, you can fish from the shores or from your boat.  Fishing has made a strong comeback in the Mohawk in recent years, and although it's still advisable not to eat the fish caught, the quantity of fish present is impressive.  Up for a longer hike or perhaps a bike trip?   Riverside Park is part of the Erie Canal bike trail which stretches beyond Syracuse to the west and Albany on the east. On just about any summer weekend you might encounter one of many walking tours of the beautiful homes in this area.  Or, perhaps you can take in the Outdoor Art Show in September. People are friendly and the lifestyle here is slow and relaxing. 

At night, in the Stockade, jazz it up with top name jazz performers who are regularly featured with world class cuisine at the VanDyck, or the Stockade Inn or enjoy local talent at the Moon and River Café.  Take in a play at Schenectady's Civic Theater Playhouse on Church Street.  The Mohawk River comes alive at night too in the summer  with Union College crew practice, Coor's Water Ski Team exhibitions or take in one of the several gigantic fireworks displays throughout the year, when the still river waters mirror the night sky a-blaze.