Albany Steel is Albany's largest and oldest steel center. Their history goes back over 200 years to 1809. They have survived major fires, the War of 1812, the Civil War, two world wars, major depressions, 5 major strikes, and many periods of iron and steel storages and rationing. As the elder Mr. Hunsdorfer demonstrated by crossing the river on the ice, the ability to survive lies in the ability to adapt to constant challenges.