Stephen Van Rensselaer

Stephen Van Rensselaer III (1764–1839) was an American politician, militia officer, and patroon who governed the Rensselaerswyck estate in New York.

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Alexander Hamilton: Alexander Hamilton was an American statesman, lawyer, and the first secretary of the treasury. Van Rensselaer served with Hamilton in New York politics and supported Federalist causes.
Rensselaerswyck: Rensselaerswyck was a Dutch and later English patroonship centered on the upper Hudson River in New York. This vast estate was the source of Van Rensselaer’s title, wealth, and landlord authority.
Battle of Queenston Heights: The Battle of Queenston Heights was an 1812 battle in which American forces attempted to cross the Niagara River into Canada. Van Rensselaer commanded the American force in this costly and unsuccessful invasion.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private research university founded in Troy, New York, in 1824. Van Rensselaer founded the school to advance scientific and technical education.
DeWitt Clinton: DeWitt Clinton was a New York politician who promoted the Erie Canal and challenged Federalist influence. Clinton’s political coalition opposed Van Rensselaer’s Federalist circle in New York.
Patroon: A patroon was a Dutch colonial proprietor granted extensive land and governing privileges in New Netherland. Van Rensselaer was the last holder of the patroon title at Rensselaerswyck.
War of 1812: The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Britain, fought from 1812 to 1815. His militia command at Queenston Heights came during this war.
Albany Institute of History & Art: The Albany Institute of History & Art is a museum and research institution focused on the history and culture of the Upper Hudson Valley. Van Rensselaer helped establish the Albany institution that became a regional center for history and art.
Philip Schuyler: Philip Schuyler was an American Revolutionary War general and New York statesman. Schuyler was Van Rensselaer’s father-in-law and a leading figure in the same Hudson Valley elite.
New York State Assembly: The New York State Assembly is the lower house of the state legislature. Van Rensselaer served in the Assembly during his long career in state politics.