Troy's Epicenter

At the epicenter of current day Troy NY rises Mount Olympus. Although Uptown’s Mt. Olympus isn’t home to Greek Gods, it is the landmark that Middleburgh grew out of.   Mount Olympus has played an important role in the development of our neighborhood and we’re darned proud of it. Fact is, Uptown has played a key role in the development of Troy from its very beginning. Our efforts to Revitalize Uptown Troy is a another step towards the rejuvenation of Troy itself. Our residents have always been strong in their convictions and not shy about standing up for them either.  Kinda like Mt. Olympus.

During the Civil War, Uptown was still the border area between Troy and Lansingburgh. When the Draft Riots started in July 1862, rabble-rousers from the South End and Downtown began marching north in an effort to recruit more rioters. It was at Mount Olympus that their march north was stopped. The mob was forced to turn back south where they ended up destroying the offices of The Troy Times and killing many innocent citizens.

General John E. Wool, a lawyer from Troy, was serving as the commander of the Department of the East during the Draft Riots, retiring soon afterwards. General Wool is buried at Oakwood Cemetery. The large towering obelisk installed to memorialize him can be seen for miles on a clear day.

Please continue supporting The Uptown Initiative’s efforts and those of our CDC Partners: Albany Jewish Community Center, Project Hope/Fort Edward, WSW Art Farm, Encore Theater and Palace Performing Arts Center. We hope to add more CDC members soon. If you know of a worthy Upstate NY Project, leave a comment on our page when you vote with some info.

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