Historic Sites and Monuments in New York

Old Erie Canal State Historic Park
Andrus Road Kirkville, NY 13082 Phone: (315) 687-7821

Old Erie Canal State Historic Park is a 36-mile stretch of the 363-mile Old Erie Canal, which has been designated a National Recreational Trail by the National Parks Service. The terrain is woodland and wetland that present opportunities for hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, canoeing, fishing, and snowmobiling. Several areas have footbridges that aid access to the canal towpath where visitors can view the remnants of stone aqueducts. The park offers reservable picnic pavillions and carriage rides by appointment. Facilities such as the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, the Erie Canal Village, and the Canastota Canal Town Museum are involved in preservation, interpretation, and recreation along the waterway.

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Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
Bear Mountain State Park Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Phone: (845) 786-2701

Fort Montgomery was the scene of a fierce Revolutionary War battle for control of the Hudson River. Visitors today can tour the remains of the 14 ½ acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the magnificent Hudson River. Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is not a reproduction fort; it is a genuine vestige of our nation's struggle for independence. Visitors will see the actual foundations of the fort's buildings and remains of the fort's earthworks.

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Johnson Hall State Historic Site
Hall Avenue Johnstown, NY 12095 Phone: (518) 762-8712

As the largest single landowner and most influential individual in the settlement of the Mohawk Valley, William Johnson had prestige and leadership which extended beyond the region. His genius in dealing and trading with the Indians had a lasting impact on their relationship with the English, and influenced England's victory in the struggle for control of North America. Sir William began plans in February 1763 for a house that would reflect his position. A Georgian house of wood made to look like stone, Johnson Hall became the nucleus of a working estate designed to encourage settlement and further Johnson's control of his lands. A mill, blacksmith shop, Indian store, barns, and other necessary buildings were added, as well as housing for servants.

In 1774, during a tense conference with 600 Indians at Johnson Hall, Sir William collapsed and died. Upon Sir William's death, Johnson Hall passed to his son, John. During the American Revolution, John chose to remain loyal to the Crown and fled to Canada. Johnson Hall was confiscated in 1779 by the State of New York as Loyalist property and was subsequently sold at auction. The house remained a private residence until 1906, when New York State acquired it as a historic site. Vistors are encouraged to walk the grounds and gardens and imagine themselves back in a time when Johnson Hall bustled with activity as Sir William's home and business headquarters.