“The Great Western Turnpike
Episode 1
Albany, NY to Duanesburg, NY
This episode reveals the development of the Great Western Turnpike with two interviews: One interview with a town historian about the first 18th century glass factory in the state, then a stop in Duanesburg NY, where we learn how the mayor of New York City wanted to make this area the capital of New York State in the 18th century. We interview a preacher in the church that Duane had built to be the center of this “capital,” built the same year that Marie Antoinette lost her head in France.
Episode 2
Duanesburg to Esperance NY
Episode two is a continuation of the first episode. In this episode we learn about a Duanesburg resident who was responsible for building the first steam powered passenger train in America, and was the country’s first professional geologist. We then interview of the owner of the General William North Mansion. North was the son in law of NYC mayor James Duane and a member of George Washington’s inner circle during the American Revolution. He is also the founder of Esperance NY, the second half of this episode where we talk to the village historian and learn about the villagers shooting and killing a resident because they thought she was a witch in the 18th century. We also learn about villager Sheldon Jackson who first established reindeer in Alaska and who started churches and the first schools in Alaska.”
History on the Road – Duanesburg to Esperance
