Mechanicville Hydroelectric Plant

Mechanicville Hydroelectric Plant sits on the Hudson River south of Mechanicville, New York. Built in 1897-98 by the Hudson River Power Transmission Company, it combines a brick, gable-roofed powerhouse with an earth embankment, a concrete non-overflow dam and a long concrete overflow dam running to the eastern bank. Inside, seven General Electric generators, original to the 1897-99 installation, are driven by turbines that were replaced in 1902 with larger units by S. Morgan Smith. The plant was designed to send alternating current to customers including the General Electric works at Schenectady, at a time when long-distance transmission was a new technology. It has operated continuously since construction and is described as the oldest extant hydroelectric plant in the state. The nomination values it for industrial development, engineering and architecture, noting that the building and equipment remain remarkably close to their original appearance. Later additions include a 1901 boiler house and 1950s frequency converters.