Authentic Fine Art Photographs of Troy, NY

Troy, NY is an industrial city that’s been through a lot of change and it shows. I grew up about 20 minutes from Troy and spent a lot of sinful nights there with a bad Fake ID at bars that have long been shut down or turned into pawnshops. At 4am we always ended up at I love New York Pizza soaking up the booze with dollar slices while waiting for the inevitable fight to erupt on 4th St. I love is still there but they shut down at 1am. Just a few of the many changes that have taken place in the Collar City. Visiting now, 20 years later with different eyes, it’s a whole new experience. You can see why the locals have so much pride. Not just for what Troy has become, but also for the history that is written all over the architecture of it’s many historic buildings. You can feel what Troy was in it’s heyday and that almost makes you want to experience the city at that time. Sure it was rough, and still is in parts, but the Italian food alone would be worth the experience. It’s not all gone though. There are still long running institutions like Bella Napoli, DeFazio’s Pizza, and the iconic Famous Lunch Hot Dogs. It’s even got good beer now - Brown’s Brewing Company is well worth the stop for any connoisseur. I never bothered to look deeply at Troy back in the day, but it’s become a favorite place to photograph every time I return home to visit family and friends. The city has a lot of character that deserves to be documented.

Early History & Founding

Originally inhabited by the Mohican people, the area that became Troy was first settled by Dutch and English colonists in the late 17th century.
The city’s location along the Hudson River made it a strategic point for trade and transportation.
Officially named Troy in 1789, it was incorporated as a village in 1801 and as a city in 1816.

Industrial Boom & the Collar City

Troy became a manufacturing powerhouse in the 19th century, particularly known for its iron and steel industries. The city played a significant role in producing materials for the Erie Canal and the railroads that expanded across the country.
It was a major producer of textiles, particularly detachable shirt collars, which gave Troy its nickname, the "Collar City." Cluett, Peabody & Co., based in Troy, popularized Arrow brand shirts.
The city was home to numerous iron foundries and was instrumental in producing materials used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and machinery across the U.S.
Troy was also the birthplace of the first fully functional fire hydrant, developed by inventor Birdsill Holly in the mid-19th century.

Connection to the American Civil War

Troy’s industry played a vital role in supplying the Union Army with weapons, ironclad ships, and other wartime materials.
The city was home to the famous "Troy Female Seminary" (now Emma Willard School), one of the first schools in the U.S. to provide higher education to women.

Economic Decline & Modern Revitalization

Like many industrial cities, Troy suffered economic decline in the mid-20th century due to the collapse of the manufacturing sector.
However, in recent decades, the city has experienced a resurgence, with historic preservation efforts, a growing arts and culture scene, and an influx of small businesses, restaurants, and creative industries.
The city's beautifully preserved architecture, from Federal-style townhouses to grand Victorian-era buildings, has made it a center for history buffs, artists, and photographers.

Troy Today

Today, Troy is known for its thriving arts community, farmer’s markets, and strong sense of local pride.
It remains home to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), one of the oldest technological universities in the country.
The city's waterfront, historic districts, and vibrant downtown continue to draw visitors and locals alike, offering a mix of history and modern energy.

Contact me directly if you’d like to purchase a photography print of Troy, NY for your home, office, or commercial space - rob@robhammerphotography.com