56 Washington Ave Schenectady

Archibald Linn House

By deed of May 10, 1834, Archibald Ladley Linn (1802-1857) purchased property at this location which may have included the present house from the estate of James McWilliams, deceased, mason by profession and a native of Scotland.  Linn, born in New York City and a graduate of Union College, was an attorney who served as a judge of Schenectady County, was twice elected mayor of Schenectady in the 1830s, was elected as a Whig to the 37th Congress from 1841-1843, and served as a member of the State Assembly in 1844.  During his term as mayor, Martin Van Buren, President of the United States, visited the city to deliver a public address.  Being of a different political party, the Common Council refused to ride out and meet the President on the road from Albany, as was customary, and the shades were drawn down in the mayor’s residence throughout the period of the President’s visit. The house exhibits Greek Revival stylistic elements.  Set above a high stoop, the façade is constructed of Flemish bond brickwork trimmed with brownstone foundation, beltcourse, and lintels above windows and the recessed entry.  The end walls have stepped parapets with engaged chimney stacks.  Iron railings on the entry porch are not original, the entry steps having been altered in the past, but suggest the detailing of the original railings.