Amazing, Weird, Fun & Interesting Facts About Albany, New York

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Last Updated on February 22, 2021 by Sophie Nadeau

As one of the largest cities in New York State, not to mention that the city serves as the State Capital, it should come as no surprise that Albany is one of those must-see destinations on everyone’s bucket lists when it comes to the region. Here are some amazing, weird, fun, and interesting facts about Albany you’ll want to know before visiting!

Albany can be found around 150 miles upstate from New York City and is the capital of the seat of Albany County. Though this city is only home to around 100,000 people, New York State is home to roughly 19.45 million residents.

#1 Albany has several nicknames

The capital city of New York state boasts several nicknames. These include Smallbany due to its fairly small population size, 518 as a result of its area code, and Cradle of Union due to its historical importance during the American civil war. In more recent times, Albany has gained the nickname ‘Tech Valley’ due to an abundance of technology companies in the nearby area.

#2 Albany is named for the Duke of Albany

The city name of ‘Albany’ derives from the Duke of York’s Scottish title, the ‘Duke of Albany’. The name dates back to 1664 when the English took control of the area where Albany is now to be found. Before this period, Albany was known as Beverwyck (“beaver district”) on account of its lucrative position in the fur trade.

#3 Albany is meant to have been the place of invention of several day to day things

It’s said, among other things, that dominos, perforated toilet paper, and the first plastic compound for billiard balls. If you’re scratching your head as to what perforated toilet paper means, it’s that it’s ready to tear sheets of toilet paper which is wrapped around a tube. The invention was first patented by an Albany resident in 1871.

#4 Albany is home to the largest Walmart Super Center in the US

Yes, you read that correctly! One of the most unusual facts about Albany is that it’s home to the largest Walmart Super Centers in the entirety of the USA.The Crossgates Commons Walmart Supercenter is nearly 260,000 square feet, which makes it much larger than the average Walmart Supercenter size, which is 179,000 square feet.

#4 Albany was ahead of the curve in underwater systems

Rather surprisingly, Albany in New York State was one of the first cities in the world to install public water mains. This includes a public sewer system, natural gas lines, as well as other services we count as essential today. Albany was also one of the first cities in the world to have installed electricity and utilities.

#5 Albany has had some pretty famous residents

Of all the Albany facts listed here, one you may well not know about is the fact that Albany has been called ‘home’ by several incredibly famous people. For example, Herman Melville (the author of Moby Dick) once resided in the city and even attended the Albany Classical School, where he studied literature. Late Night Show host Jimmy Fallon also once lived in Albany and attended the college at Saint Rose.

#6 Albany is the 11th largest city in New York State

As previously mentioned, Albany didn’t acquire its nickname ‘Smallbany’ for nothing! Despite being the capital city of New York State, it’s way down the list when it comes to population and district size and is actually only the 11th biggest city in the state. So small is Albany, that it’s America’s 19th least populated state capital city!

#7 One of the most important architectural features of Albany is its Empire State Plaza

The Empire State Plaza is a key example of late American modern architecture and comprises of a number of office buildings which were constructed between 1965 and 1976 at a cost of 2 billion dollars. Among the buildings, visitors will easily spy the Erastus Corning Tower, which is the tallest building outside of New York City in New York state. 

#8 Albany was established in 1614

Dating back well over four hundred years, Albany is one of the oldest European established cities in America and was even one of the original thirteen colonies. The city also boasts the title of being the longest continuously chartered city in the United States.

#9 Albany is home to the oldest celebration of Santa Claus

Nowadays, the name ‘Santa Claus’ immediately springs to mine when one thinks about Christmas in the USA. Rather interestingly, a receipt from the A Van Renssalaer bakery receipt way back in March of 1675 is the first recorded mention of ‘Sinterklaas’ in the US.

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