Once upon a time, knowing the name Philip J. Schuyler required being well-versed in Revolutionary War history or having a deep knowledge of Albany’s elite. But then came “Hamilton.” This blockbuster musical brought the Schuylers into the limelight, showcasing their roles in the Colonial era and their involvement in Hamilton’s tumultuous love triangle with the Schuyler sisters. Philip Schuyler, though silent throughout the show, looms large as a wealthy patriarch and friend of George Washington. His seven-foot-tall statue has stood in front of Albany’s City Hall for nearly a century, drawing “Hamilton” fans to capture selfies.
However, there’s another side to Philip Schuyler’s story. He was also a slaveholder, with accounts suggesting he held a substantial number of enslaved individuals in the Albany area. This revelation has prompted a reevaluation of his legacy and, subsequently, the removal of his statue. This slow-moving process, met with delays and opposition, has sparked debate about the effectiveness of such actions in rectifying past wrongs and providing educational opportunities.
This removal is part of a broader movement to confront the racist actions of historical figures, which gained momentum during the Black Lives Matter protests following the tragic murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Monuments honoring Confederate figures have been dismantled or removed, and even Hamilton himself has been subject to scrutiny, as some scholars argue he likely owned enslaved individuals despite his reputation as an abolitionist.
In the case of Philip Schuyler, Albany’s mayor, Kathy Sheehan, authorized the statue’s detachment in June 2020. She cited concerns raised by Black members of her staff and acknowledged the well-known fact of Schuyler’s slaveholding. The removal was a relief for Alice Green, the executive director of the Center for Law and Justice, who argued that it was inappropriate to have a statue honoring someone who mistreated African American people on public property. The center had actively campaigned for Schuyler’s removal, and the publicity surrounding “Hamilton” may have given their efforts additional momentum.
Opposition to the removal came from prominent local lawmakers, including Representative Elise Stefanik and Albany County Legislature member Jeff Perlee. They argued that removing the statue erased history and failed to appreciate Schuyler’s sacrifices in creating the United States. However, supporters of the removal emphasized that Schuyler’s legacy as a slaveholder should not be glorified.
Philip Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton had a significant presence in Albany. Hamilton, famously known for his fatal duel with Aaron Burr, married Eliza Schuyler at the family’s mansion in Albany in 1780. The mansion, overlooking the Hudson River, was a seat of power in old Albany and hosted influential figures during the nation’s formative years. While “Hamilton” has boosted tourism to Albany and increased interest in the Schuyler family, historians make sure to highlight Schuyler’s ties to slavery at the mansion, including the stories of enslaved individuals who worked there.
The future location of the Schuyler statue is yet to be determined. For now, it remains in an undisclosed location while Albany considers its options. A study conducted by the Young Abolitionist Leadership Institute suggests potential relocation near the Capitol. Whatever the outcome, the statue’s removal has sparked vital conversations about early America and the complex legacies of its historical figures. As a historian, this dialogue is seen as invaluable.
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