Albany, Georgia was founded in 1836 along the Flint River, with anticipation of prosperity similarly enjoyed by its New York counterpart. Although not as renowned as its New York sister, Albany has a unique history and a thriving community of arts and culture. In the early 1900s Albany became a major rail center, and today Union Station houses Thronateeska Heritage Center, which details the city's history. The Center features three main parts: The Museum of History, The Wetherbee Planetarium and The Science Discovery Center. Several monuments and memorials are scattered throughout Albany that also pay homage to the past.