Santa’s Sleigh and 20 More Interesting Things Invented In Upstate New York

Historians, parents, and children alike have often debated the merits of one Santa Claus and his uncanny ability to span the globe on Christmas Eve so efficiently that every child on the planet gets to wake the following day to the delight of gifts under the tree.

How Does Santa Do It?

Does his sleigh have magical push-button technology that propels the craft at warp speed?  Perhaps Santa can teleport? And maybe the reindeer are powerful enough to give the jolly old toboggan enough juice to dart around the globe!

One thing historians have also discussed - aside from the magic of the sleigh- is the origin.  Who made it?  Where does it come from?  And where does Albany, New York, come into play?

Did Santa Get His Sleigh in Upstate New York?

Well, here's some interesting historical data that links Santa's magical sleigh to an Upstate city that starts with an "A."

According to Friends of Albany History, back in the 19th century, the big guy was pretty much only depicted in images riding around in a sleigh known as an  "Albany cutter,"  a high-end sled with a distinctive design and shape.

Historians say, "The Albany sleigh became the "must-have" in the late 1880s. James Goold of Albany developed the design in the early 1820s...The cutter was the product of highly trained and exceptional craftsmen."

So, you can thank James Goold when you see classic photos of Santa making the rounds in his distinctive "Albany cutter" sleigh.

Read About Santa's Historical Link-Back to Albany, New York

If you found that interesting, check out ten more items invented in Upstate New York that you may not have known were created here.