Southside is a term used to describe a "back street" neighborhood located in the southeastern part of old Albany. "Southside" was referenced in documents and records during the decades prior to the Revolution.

Centering roughly on the intersection of Beaver and Green Streets - and extending for a couple blocks in all directions, by the early 1700s, it was the home to a number of families of the members of the Albany garrison. In time, their descendants became craftsmen, tradesmen, and transporters. A few moved up to enter the business class. Later, a number of inns and taverns provided comfort for Albany's growing English-speaking population. Richard Cartwright's "King's Arms" on Beaver Street was a centerpiece of this neighborhood for several decades.

More generally, Southside was bounded by Pearl Street on the east, the stockade line on the south, Court Street, and the houses south of State Street. It represented the second stage of building in the development of colonial Albany.

To the south of Southside was the extensive tract of land owned by the Hallenbeck family which extended to the Beaverkill and was developed more intensively following the death of "yeoman" Hendrick Hallenbeck in 1766.

By the 1750s, the area mostly along and closer to South Pearl Street was the home of an enclave of weavers.

By the 1770s, the newly published Albany Gazette referred to the area as "Cheapside."

By 1800, the western edge of this neighborhood is articulated in an image map.

posted: 12/25/06