![The Origin of Albany’s Name](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2015/11/capitol.png?w=980&q=75)
The Origin of Albany’s Name
How did Albany become Albany?
As you know, there are a lot of major events in American history that have taken place in the Capital Region, which got me wondering recently— how did Albany become Albany?
According to AlbanyNY.org, the Dutch first settled in the Albany area in the mid 17th century, naming the colony Beverwyck. They eventually surrendered to the British in 1664. King Charles II of England then granted the territory to his brother James, the Duke of York and Albany. That is when the former Dutch colony became Albany. The colony became recognized as a city by the British government in 1686, and after we gained our independence from Britain, officially became the capital of NY in 1797.
If you are a history buff, the AlbanyNY.org article goes into extensive detail in to Albany's history. It's an interesting read!
More From 107.7 WGNA
![Enter Here For Painted Pony Rodeo Tickets](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2022/03/attachment-GettyImages-1336918.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![See The Capital Region’s 10 Best Bagel Shops [RANKED]](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2022/12/attachment-Untitled-design-67.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Capital Region Fire Truck Smashed by Vandals; Any Idea Who Did This?](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2024/07/attachment-fire-truck-.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Tornados Ripped Up Parts of Upstate NY and the Videos are Wild](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2024/07/attachment-tornado-NY-.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![No Kid Should Go Hungry, How to Get Free Summer Meals in Upstate New York](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2024/07/attachment-hungry-.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Have You Seen Her? 16-Year-Old from Saratoga Missing Since July 1st](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2024/07/attachment-MISSING-TEEN-HAVE-YOU-SEEN-HER.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Eyewitness Claims They Saw an Alien Abduction in Upstate New York](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2024/07/attachment-alien-abduction-.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Police in Albany County Investigating the Death of 2-Year-Old Boy](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2024/07/attachment-Police-Line-.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![There’s a Fascinating World of Sunken Gems Deep in Lake George](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2024/02/attachment-treasure-lake-goerge-.jpg?w=980&q=75)