The extent to which the Native Americans were present in the John Boyd Thacher Park region of the Helderberg Escarpment is a question for many who visit there. It is believed that the first humans to set foot in this region were North Americans, migrating east.

Great thanks must be extended to the memory and spirits of Emma Treadwell and John Boyd Thacher. Their initial philanthropic gift of the place known as “Indian Ladder; inspired many other succeeding individuals and groups to dedicate their time and efforts to the growth of our John Boyd Thacher State Park.

By the mid-19^th Century, the famous Indian Ladder Region of the Helderberg had become a vacation-seeker’s paradise. Escaping the summer heat of the city for the elevated cool mountain breezes and fresh air of forest and field became a habit for many travelers in search of rest and recreation.

John Boyd Thacher was one of the most distinguished and revered Albanians of his day. He was born at Ballston, Saratoga County on Sept. 11, 1847, the elder son of George Hornell and Ursula Jane (Boyd) Thacher. His father married his mother in 1843. She was the daughter of David Boyd, Esq. of Schenectady.

Timothy Albright, a life member of the New Scotland Historical Association, came across documents describing the efforts by his native town and county to spend tax money to help people in poverty in the 19th century.