Fort Crailo

Fort Crailo
Front elevation and north profile, with work underway on entrance walkway, in 2010
Location: 9½ Riverside Ave, Rensselaer, NY
Built: c. 1712
Architectural style: Colonial, Dutch Colonial
Governing body: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
NRHP Reference#: 66000563
Significant dates
Added to NRHP: October 15, 1966[1]
Designated NHL: November 11, 1961[2]

Fort Crailo, also known as Yankee Doodle House or Crailo State Historic Site, is a historic, fortified brick manor house in Rensselaer, New York which was originally part of a large patroonship held by Kiliaen van Rensselaer, c. 1585–1643. Crailo is a Dutch word meaning Crow's Woods (Kraaien bos), and refers to the Rensselaer's Estate in Huizen, Holland, also named Crailo.[3] This property was inherited by Hendrick van Rensselaer, Kilian's grandson, who built the house in approximately 1712. It was expanded in 1762–1768.

At various times, the grounds were used as a campground for British and colonial troops.

It is reportedly the place where, in 1755, British Army surgeon Richard Shuckburgh, quartered in the home, wrote the ditty "Yankee Doodle" to mock the colonial troops who fought with the British in the French and Indian Wars.

Fort Crailo was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961.[2][4]

It is operated by the State of New York as a 17th century historic house museum that focuses on the history of the Dutch colonists in New York state. Exhibits include clothing, furniture, household and decorative items, and archaeological artifacts from "New Netherland" historic sites in New York and New Jersey.

Addresses given for the house include 9½ Riverside and 10 Riverside.

References

  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2007-01-23. http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natreg/docs/All_Data.html. 
  2. ^ a b "Fort Crailo". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. 2007-09-12. http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=406&ResourceType=Building. 
  3. ^ Spooner, pp. 189
  4. ^ James Dillon (1983). National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Fort CrailoPDF (303 KB). National Park Service  and Accompanying photos, exterior, from 1965.PDF (1.27 MB)

External links