Hamlet of Rensselaerville

Hamlet of Preston Hollow

The Hamlet of Rensselaerville

Nestled in the Helderberg Mountains on the banks of the Ten-Mile Creek lies the hamlet of Rensselaerville. It was settled in 1787 after Stephen Van Rensselaer advertised free tracts of land of about 160 acres. Homesteaders made their way from Massachussetts, Connecticut and the Hamptons on L.I. to work lands that offered water power for milling, dense forests of hemlock for tanning leather and land for farming.

Rensselaerville grew and prospered through the 1800's until forest resources were used up, overland transportation for goods bypassed the hamlet, and industry moved to the city. Rensselaerville then settled into a quiet time with little economic development. Today, the residents cherish the quiet beauty of the lands and enjoy living in the old houses and structures. The hamlet was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1983.

The Hamlet of Cooksburg

The Hamlet of Medusa

The Hamlet of Potter Hollow

The Hamlet of Preston Hollow