By 1760, Philip Schuyler had begun to acquire title to what became a large tract of south Albany land. After some negotiation and litigation, his title was confirmed in 1765. Called "the Pastures," his property ran south of the Beaverkill to the southern city line. It ran west from the "road" that later became South Pearl Street and was bounded on the west by today's Delaware Avenue. When the property was gridded for sale after his death in 1804, it included the mansion parcel and more than a hundred individual building lots that were divided among his children.

On a prime location in the center of this extensive property, Schuyler built his elegant home. Actually, most of the work was done and completed while Schuyler was in England under the direction of his friend and mentor, John Bradstreet.

Schuyler Mansion was the most outstanding house built in Albany before the American Revolution. The home of early Albany's wealthiest and most cosmopolitan resident, it set new standards for opulence and sophistication. The built environment of early Albany is considered more broadly in a theme essay entitled "Homes for the People."

Two websites provided access to this early Albany landmark today!