Bethlehem

Situated on the west bank of the Hudson River, Bethlehem traces its history to the Dutch settlement era of the 1600s. Incorporated on March 12, 1793, Bethlehem s rich soil, abundant timber, river access, and proximity to Albany drew Dutch, English, Scottish, and German settlers. Bethlehem s farmers became known for their oats, hay, apples, and dairy products. The year 1863 marked the coming of the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad and the beginnings of the town s transformation to a suburban community. This trend continued in the 20th century with the success of the automobile. In Bethlehem, images from the late 1800s to mid-1900s tell the story of the community s history through its many hamlets, including Delmar, Elsmere, Glenmont, Selkirk, Slingerlands, and North and South Bethlehem. Photographs of churches, schools, blacksmith shops, hotels, farmhouses, and elaborate summer homes illustrate Bethlehem s journey from a rural farming community to a bustling modern suburb."