Schenectady New York

Schenectady is a city in Schenectady County, New York, and serves as the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 66,135. The name “Schenectady” comes from the Mohawk word skahnéhtati, meaning “beyond the pines.” Founded by Dutch colonists in the 17th century on the south side of the Mohawk River, Schenectady initially developed as a farming village.

The city grew rapidly in the 19th century due to its strategic location along the Mohawk River and Erie Canal, becoming part of the Mohawk Valley trade, manufacturing, and transportation corridor. By 1824, manufacturing outpaced agriculture and trade. Schenectady became home to key industries, including the cotton mills and later the influential General Electric (GE) and American Locomotive Company (ALCO). These companies played a major role in technological advancements, with GE contributing to the development of nuclear-powered submarines and renewable energy solutions.

Located in eastern New York near the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers, Schenectady is part of the Albany metropolitan area, about 15 miles southeast of Albany. In December 2014, the city was selected for the development of an off-reservation casino, planned for an ALCO brownfield site along the waterfront, which will include hotels, housing, and a marina.