The Park began in the early 1800's as a popular hunting and picnicking ground. In the 1850's it was decided that the vale opposite Franklin Street would be a perfect place for a cemetery - a scenic place, it had plenty of room for expansion. In this valley cut by the Cowhorn Creek, sunlight filters onto gravestones as old as November 5, 1857. This land is not considered valuable since the deep ravine and a series of ponds prevented building of houses, but it was beautiful and near enough to town that residents could walk to visit their beloved family members. 
Famous persons buried in the cemetery include inventor Charles Steinmetz, John Ellis, founder of Schenectady Locomotive Works, and Dr. Eliphalet Nott, longtime president of Union College. Schenectady 2000, together with the Vale Park Task Force, is working to ensure the grace and tranquility that the park was founded on.