America's Most Historic Village

Abolitionism and the Underground Railroad  in Schuylerville

by Kristina Saddlemire
Historian, Village of Schuylerville

In the 1850s, Daniel Meader was a Schuylerville businessman and local resident. He was also involved with the Underground Railroad. “Uncle Daniel,” as he was referred to in his 1887 obituary, was one of many of the greater Schuylerville area residents that were staunch supporters of the Abolitionist Movement.
 
The Village of Schuylerville is known throughout the world for its rich and unique history. Its known history dates back to prehistoric eras, when Native American peoples set up seasonal camps along the Hudson River and Fish Creek, benefiting from the abundant game and vegetation. During the French and Indian wars, early settlements were the sites of French raiding party sacks, and during the American Revolution, the Village of Schuylerville played a pertinent role in the infamous Surrender at Saratoga, the turning point of the American Revolution. The water power of Fish Creek and the Hudson River was harnessed by early industrialists, making Schuylerville a prominent and wealthy mill village. The Champlain Canal also came through the Village, and the Village hosted a turn around basin, and dry docks. Another layer to Schuylerville’s rich history that is currently being brought to light is the history of the reformists that lived in the area during the 19th century.
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