Marking the path of the Palatine refugees

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

A restored historic marker was recently installed to identify the early 1700s path followed by German refugees, heading toward the Schoharie Valley.

To the Editor:

The Palatine Road historic marker was recently installed by Mr. Bill Vinson and Mr. Rob Zwack of the town of Guilderland sign department. This marker is located at the corner of Wagner Road and Route 146.

Thank you so very much to these men.

The Palatine Road was the first road west traveled by German refugees to the Schoharie Valley. In her wonderful book on Guilderland Historic markers, Mrs. Alice Begley wrote that this “road” serviced these immigrants from the Rhineland. From Albany, through the Pine Bush to Willow Street to Foundry Road and on to Guilderland Center through Altamont and Knox to Schoharie.

The historic marker denotes the Indian footpath that became old Schoharie Road upon which the German Palatine refugees traveled in their search for freedom and a promised land. Later traveling Palatine refugees chose to stay in the shadow of the “clear mountain” named Hellebergh to build their farms and lives, as the late Mrs. Begley wrote in her book.

John B. Haluska

Guilderland

Editor’s note: John B. Haulska took it upon himself to repaint many of Guilderland’s historical markers.

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