New York State Historic Sites

1. Fort Chambly National Historic Site, Quebec, CAN
   This stone fortress fell to the British in 1760 during the French and Indian War. It was later occupied by invading Americans during the Revolutionary War. Guided tours are available. (888) 773-8888
2. Valcour Island, Lake Champlain, NY
   Benedict Arnold led a makeshift fleet of ships against the British Navy on Lake Champlain near Plattsburgh, delaying the southward advance of the British for a year. Today, the island is a state park with historic markers and the Bluff Point Lighthouse. (518) 561-0340
3. Crown Point State Historic Site, Crown Point, NY
   The French first built Fort St. Frederic here in 1734. In 1759, British troops built "His Majesty's Fort at Crown Point." Colonists captured the fort in 1775, but British troops later retook it. Ruins remain. (800) 447-5224 or (518) 597-3666
4. Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga, NY
   Overlooking Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga was an important site for a number of battles in the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars. Tours of the preserved fort include re-enactments and displays of period weapons.  (518) 585-2821
5. Rogers Rock, Hague
   Native Americans and French soldiers chased major Robert Rogers to the rock's precipice on the western shore of Lake George during the winter of 1757-1758. Rogers eluded his pursuers, reversed his snowshoes and retraced his steps through the wilderness. Rock climbing and hiking. (518) 897-1200
6. Birthplace of the U.S. Navy, Whitehall, NY
   Visit the Skenesborough Museum and tour the area where, under the command of Benedict Arnold, colonists built and sailed this country's first warships, earning Whitehall the designation "Birthplace of the U.S. Navy." (518) 499-0716
7. Fort William Henry, Lake George, NY
   Relive the important French and Indian War Battle at Fort William Henry made famous in James Fenimore Cooper's "Last of the Mohicans." Guides wearing period garb offer tours of the log fortress and demonstrate cannon and musket firings. (518) 668-5471
8. Fort George and Battlefield Park, Lake George, NY
   This site echoes the history of three wars, The French and Indian, the American Revolution and the War of 1812-1815. Remainders of entrenchments, buildings, redoubts, and a citadel can be seen today. Nearby is a monument of Gen. William Johnson and Mohawk King Hendrick discussing strategy before their victory over the French in 1755.  (518) 623-1200 or (518) 897-1200
9. Knox Trail, Lake George, NY
   Henry Knox and his men moved 59 pieces of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. The artillery weighed 119,000 pounds, and 82 sleds and teams of oxen made the 300-mile trip in 40 days. Markers denote the trail. (518) 761-6366, ext. 5100
10. Bloody Pond, Queensbury, NY
    

    George Washington stops at Halfway Brook in Queensbury.

    The site of a massacre of approximately 200 French by colonists in 1755. Bodies fell near the pond and stained it red. It is in this conflict that Robert Rogers debuted as a soldier (ranger). (518) 761-6366, ext. 5100
11. Halfway Brook, Queensbury, NY
    This strategic French and Indian War location was midway between Fort Edward and Fort George. Marker where blockhouse and stockade once stood. (518) 761-6366, ext. 5100
12. Cooper's Cave, South Glens Falls, NY
    This cave in the middle of the Hudson River was the setting for an important segment of James Fenimore Cooper's classic novel "Last of the Mohicans." A viewing platform is open to the public. (518) 793-1455
13. Parks-Bentley House, South Glens Falls, NY
    Daniel Parks, a French and Indian War veteran, moved his family here in 1773 and built up much of the town's industry. Tours are available. (518) 745-7741
14. Rogers Island Visitors Center, Fort Edward, NY
    Located on the Hudson River, the island was home to Capt. Robert Rogers' Rangers. The island housed British barracks during the French and Indian War and a patriot garrison 
    during the Revolutionary War. Stop by the visitors center. (518) 747-3693
15. Old Fort House Museum, Fort Edward, NY
    Built in 1772, the Old Fort House is one of the oldest frame structures in New York. It was headquarters to both British and American generals in the Revolutionary War. (518) 747-9600
16. Revolutionary War Cemetery, Salem, NY
    More than 100 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried in this cemetery that was established in 1769. (518) 854-9296
17. Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, NY
    View the "Surrender Tree" marker where General Burgoyne surrendered his forces to General Gates on Oct. 17,1777. Visitor center, hiking, dock nearby. Saratoga Monument and Major General Philip Schuyler's country home nearby. (518) 695-4159
18. Schuyler House, Schuylerville, NY
    The country home of General Philip Schuyler. British troops burned the original house and outbuildings. The present house was rebuilt in 1777 and is open for tours. (518) 664-9821
19. The Saratoga Monument, Victory, NY
    A 155-foot-tall monument marks the site where Gen. Burgoyne surrendered to Gen. Gates on Oct. 17, 1777. (518) 664-9821
20. Saratoga National Historical Park, Stillwater, NY
    The Battles of Saratoga rank among the 15 most decisive battles in world history. The patriotic victory in 1777 led France to recognize the United States and ally itself with the colonists. Self-guided tours. (518) 664-9821
21. The Stillwater Blockhouse, Stillwater, NY
    Visit this replica of the log blockhouses built by colonists to serve as protection during the French and Indian War. (518) 664-1847, ext. 11
22. Bennington Battlefield Site, Hoosick Falls, NY
    In August 1777, British troops attacked an American storehouse here to restore their provisions, but were turned back. The site has informative signs and displays. (518) 279-1155
23. Peebles Island State Park, Waterford, NY
    Strategic Revolutionary War site at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. The Americans built fortifications here in 1777 to guard against General Burgoyne's attempt to capture Albany. Walk, hike and picnic. (518) 237-8643
24. Van Schaick Mansion, Cohoes, NY
    Used as military headquarters during the French and Indian War, and again by the British during the American Revolutionary War to plan the Battle of Saratoga. Was the temporary capitol of New York State in 1777. (518) 235-2699
25. Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park, Colonie, NY
    Home and grounds fortified with a stockade by British during the 1740's to guard against a Northern attack by French and Indians to Albany. In 1750s, became a campground for thousands of soldiers in campaigns against Canada. (518) 782-2593
26. Historic Stockade District, Schenectady, NY
    Site of the Stockade Massacre in 1690 - part of a series of wars between the French and the English that culminated in the French and Indian War. Buildings in the district reflect over three centuries of architecture in America. (518) 374-0263
27. Old Stone Fort Museum, Schoharie, NY
    Exhibits and costumed interpreters tell the story of this church that was fortified and attacked during the Revolutionary War. (518) 295-7192
28. Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, Albany, NY
    Philip Schuyler was named a delegate to the Continental Congress, which put him in command of the Northern Department. This site was the center of his military activities and is open to the public. (518) 434-0834
29. Crailo State Historic Site, Rensselaer, NY
    Originally an 18th century Dutch house, it is now a museum of Dutch settlements in the Hudson Valley. Exhibits highlight archaeological finds from Albany Fort Orange excavations. Guided tours and a visitor center. (518) 463-8738
30. Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
    

    The Old Senate House, Kingston.

    Robert Livingston Jr. helped draft the Declaration of Independence and gave Washington the first oath of office.The Livingston family lived here for more than 230 years. Stop by the visitors center. (518) 537-4240
31. Old Senate House Historic Site, Kingston, NY
    A limestone building here housed the first meeting of New York's newly organized State Senate in 1777 after the British chased the Senate from New York City. Visit the nearby museum. (845) 338-2786
32. Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hyde Park, NY
    While visiting historic American Revolutionary and French and Indian War sites in the lower Hudson Valley, be sure to also stop by the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park. Visitors may enjoy a guided tour of FDR's home, take a self-guided tour of the Presidential Library and Museum and stroll the grounds, gardens, and trails of this beautiful 300-acre site. (845) 229-9115
    
33. Van Wyck Homestead Museum, Fishkill, NY
    The Van Wyck house was requisitioned by the Continental Army as an officers' headquarters, and was visited by Washington, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, among others. The museum is open seasonally. (845) 896-9560
34. Mount Gulian, Beacon, NY
    This site served as the headquarters for General Baron von Steuben, the Continental Army drillmaster and inspector general who turned the colonists into a disciplined fighting force. Re-enactors visit on a seasonal basis. (845) 831-8172
35. Madam Brett Homestead, Beacon, NY
    The Brett family opened their home as a shelter to patriot soldiers and as a supply house for the military. The home was visited by Washington, Baron von Steuben, and others. Dutchess County's oldest homestead. Open by appointment. (845) 831-6533
36. Washington's Headquarters, Newburgh, NY
    General George Washington made his military headquarters here between April 1782 and August 1783. It is the birthplace of the Badge of Military Merit, the forerunner of the Purple Heart. The site is open on a seasonal basis. (845) 562-1195
37. New Windsor Cantonment, Vails Gate, NY
    General Washington moved his troops here to establish winter quarters in 1782 and his men built nearly 600 log huts. Stop by the visitors center. (845) 561-1765
38. Knox's Headquarters, Vails Gate, NY
    Tours are available of this site, where Major General Henry Knox commanded the artillery of Washington's army. (845) 561-5498
39. United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
    The military academy at West Point was the site of several forts used during the Revolution, including Fort Putnam. Take a tour and visit the museum. (845) 938-2638
40. Constitution Island and the Warner House, West Point, NY
    A boat trip across the Hudson from the U.S. Military Academy takes you to a Revolutionary War fort and the historic 17-room Warner House with period furnishings. (845) 446-8676
41. Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery, NY
    Fort Montgomery and adjacent Fort Clinton played key roles in the Revolution, preventing British forces from advancing up the Hudson. Visit the museum at Fort Clinton. Take a self-guided tour at Fort Montgomery. Hiking trail and footbridge connect the forts. (845) 786-2701
42. Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    This 18th-century stone manor home re-creates what life was like for citizens of a newly free America and includes original furnishings. An 18th-century tavern is also located on the grounds. (914) 271-8981
43. John Jay Homestead, Katonah, NY
    John Jay served in more high offices than any other founding father: President of the Continental Congress, Governor of New York and Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Tours of his home are available. (914) 232-5651
44. Stony Point Battlefield, Stony Point, NY
    In the last major battle in the north, General "Mad" Anthony Wayne led a surprise attack on the British garrison here in 1779. The oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River marks the site. (845) 786-2521
45. St. Paul's Church, Mount Vernon, NY
    This church was used as a hospital and burial site following the Revolutionary War battle at Pell's Point, and was the scene of several military developments for the next six years. Walking tours are offered. (914) 667-4116
46. Valentine Varian House, Museum of Bronx History, Bronx, NY
    This fieldstone farmhouse, built in 1758, provides a view of what life was like during the Revolutionary War in New York. Tours and exhibits. (718) 881-8900
47. Fraunces' Tavern Museum, Manhattan, NY
    Now a colonial history museum, Fraunces' opened as a tavern in the 1760s and it served as a meeting place for revolutionaries. When New York was the Capital, Fraunces' Tavern housed the Departments of Foreign Affairs, the Treasury, and War. Washington delivered his famous farewell here. (212) 425-1778
48. Federal Hall National Memorial, Manhattan, NY
    This site first served as New York's City Hall and later as home to the first U.S. Congress. George Washington was inaugurated here on April 30, 1789. A museum offers a variety of exhibits. (212) 825-6888
49. Hamilton Grange National Memorial, Manhattan, NY
    The home of founding father Alexander Hamilton is preserved for public visits. Hamilton supported the patriotic cause, and was commissioned as a Captain of the Artillery and then aide-de-camp to George Washington. (212) 825-6888
50. Battery Park, Manhattan, NY
    In 1775, Colonists determined the cannons in Battery Park were at risk of being captured, and ordered them dismantled. A British ship witnessed the dismantling and fired a warning shot. Colonists fired back, killing a British soldier, beginning the war on the Hudson. (212) 344-3491
51. Old Stone House Interpretive Center, Brooklyn, NY
    This replica of a 1699 Dutch farmhouse features exhibits on the Revolutionary War and the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn. Visit nearby Prospect Park, home to the Battle of Brooklyn Monument, commemorating George Washington's narrow escape across the East River in the face of British troops advancing through Jamaica Pass. (718) 768-3195
52. Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY
    In 1776, a small American battery located at the present site of Fort Hamilton initiated the first costal defense of the colonies. Construction of Fort Hamilton began about 50 years later. Visit the Harbor Defense Museum. (718) 630-4349
53. Conference House (Billop Manor House), Staten Island, NY
    This fieldstone house, open to the public, was the site of the 1776 Staten Island Peace Conference where the British tried to convince Ben Franklin, John Adams and Edward Rutledge that the colonists should remain loyal to Britain. (718) 984-2086

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