As its name suggests, the town of Amsterdam was founded by Dutch settlers. The earliest known settler, Philip Groat from Rotterdam, acquired the title to his land directly from the Mohawks. You can learn about the history and culture of the Mohawk people at the Noteworthy Indian Museum, where ancient clay pottery, stone tools and beadwork, along with storytelling, poetry and paintings by contemporary artists, depict Native American life from 12,000 years ago to the present.
Old Fort Johnson
, a sturdy stone house and fortress, tells about colonial life during the French & Indian War. It was built in 1749 by Sir William Johnson, who was Superintendent of Indian Affairs and a hero at the Battle of Lake George, when more than 200 Mohawks fought alongside his colonial troops to resist an attack by the French. The Georgian-style house, portrayed in many historical novels, is now a museum. Take a tour and experience its fascinating history at a battle reenactment, holiday open house, or colonial tea party in the garden.
A stay at an historic inn is another way to experience Amsterdam’s past. The Halcyon Farm B&B, a Federal-style brick home circa 1790, and the 1811 Brown House are furnished with antiques and offer special heritage events. At the Walter Elwood Museum local history is highlighted with an eclectic collection that ranges from fossils and shells to Victorian dolls and political buttons.
Take in the scenic views at Lock 11 on the historic Erie Canal. Riverlink Park’s elevated walkway links downtown Amsterdam to a riverside plaza with a visitors center, gardens and a dock for visiting boaters. There’s also the Riverside Café and free summer concerts on an open-air stage. You can spend a summer night rooting for the home team at Shuttleworth Park. The Amsterdam Mohawks are part of the New York Collegiate Baseball League, an elite wood bat summer league sponsored by Major League Baseball. The season is highlighted by Parkfest in July, with food vendors, music, rides, baseball games and a giant fireworks display.