​ ALBANY REGENCY, THE, a name given in American political history to a powerful combination of eminent Democratic leaders of New York State. It was instituted in 1822 by Martin Van Buren, who remained its dominating spirit for many years. It continued to exercise large power until 1854, with such men as William L. Marcy, Silas Wright, John A. Dix, and Horatio Seymour identified with it. Afterward Samuel J. Tilden, Dean Richmond, and Daniel Manning preserved in a manner its traditions.