The King’s Garden at Fort Ticonderoga

Next to the restored Fort Ticonderoga is a curious dirt path leading to a little dell. The place is called “King’s Garden.” Even though the day was very hot and we were tired from our long trek through the Fort’s many museums, we decided to take a look at this garden. A staid rock entrance [...]

The Iroquois Indian Museum, Howes Cave, NY

While we were in Schoharie County, rambling through the deep, mysterious recesses of the subterranean (Howe Caverns!), I discovered another attraction nearby: Iroquois Indian Museum. I grew up in New York State, ancient land of the Iroquois Nations, so their history has been drilled into my skull endlessly since my school years. As a homeschooling [...]

I Went to the New York State Fair!

Can you believe it? I’ve lived in New York all my life, even a few miles away from the fairgrounds, and have never been. Finally, now that I am {unintelligible} years old, I went! It was a very pleasant experience. Here are some the highlights. Hands down, our favorite part of the fair was the [...]

Oneida Indian Settlement, Nichols Pond, in Smithfield

This is the historic site of the ancient lands of the Oneida Indian tribe of Central New York. It was also the resting place of the mysterious glacial erratic stone, sacred to the Oneidas. The place oozes history, archaeology, and wonder, with a strong mix of nature and spookiness mixed in. This is also the spot where Samuel de Chaplain and his Huron friends attacked the hapless Oneidas, hearing gunshots for the first time.

Seneca Lake and Geneva, NY

Geneva, NY, is a highbrow town. And no wonder! It’s classy.We drove through but stopped south of the town to check out a lovely park by Seneca Lake.

Hamilton College Cemetery, Clinton, NY

Hamilton College has a special place in our hearts. We are ardent students of history, revivalism, Samuel Kirkland, the Oneida Indians, and Alexander Hamilton. What brings all these things together? Hamilton College. We paid our respects to its founders.

Lake George and Fort Ticonderoga, NY

Lake George in the autumn. What can I say? Sheer glory! We traveled up the beautiful and scenic Route 9, in the heart of the eastern Adirondacks Park. We finally found Fort Ticonderoga, too. And even though the Fort was closed, we snuck in for a little quiet exploration and photo op. What an adventure!

The Herkimer Diamond

Herkimer is a county and a city in Upstate New York. It’s name comes from an heroic general who dies in battle during the American Revolution (see my post about Nicolas Herkimer here and the Battle of Oriskany here). The Herkimer diamond is the common name given to a unique kind of quartz, found in [...]

The Children’s Museum, Utica, NY

WHAT a tremendous museum! Four enormous floors stocked full of everything you can possibly imagine– cars, instruments, dolls, an Iroquois longhouse, science experiments, and even a small glider airplane! A perfect place to spend a day.

Oriskany Battlefield: Bloodiest Battle of the American Revolution

There is an element of deep sadness here. This was the battleground of the bloodiest battle in the fight for American independence. But it set off a shockwave of victory that helped to change the course of the war. Hundreds of men died here. We came to give our respects, and found time to have a little fun, too.

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