A New Year’s Stroll Through Little Falls, NY

Little Falls, NY, is a lovely and picturesque city in Herkimer County. First settled in 1723, it was originally called “Rock City.” No kidding– many of the city’s plentiful buildings were built perched on the rocky slopes and cliffs. Driving through the streets in an exciting challenge, but the views are simply stunning. Downtown was [...]

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.

Don’t Close the Herkimer Home!

According to WKTV, New York State lawmakers are considering closing the Herkimer Home– a NYS park and a member of the National Register of Historic Places– permanently. I’ve written extensively about Nicholas Herkimer and the Herkimer Home and his background. I find it unconscionable that the state would permanently close this park. It costs the [...]

Baron von Steuben Memorial Site, Remsen, NY

Baron von Steuben came from to America from Prussia in 1777. His purpose was to train the American troops to fight the British during the Revolutionary War. This man, tirelessly working and ensuring that Americans tirelessly drilled, was a Godsend for the American army. His drilling plans are used to this day, in West Point. He is buried here on the lands given him for his service.

Bagg’s Square and Old Fort Schuyler, Utica, NY

Before there was Utica, there was Fort Schuyler. And before there was Walmart, there was Bagg’s Tavern at Bagg’s Square. This site, located north of the city, was the first area in the area to be settled and maintained as a merchant center. It’s quite the experience, exploring this old little building with superhighways roaring around you.

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 Living History Weekend, German Flatts, NY

This event in German Flatts is held every autumn, next to the historic Fort Herkimer Church. On the day of our visit, drenching rains kept us from enjoying the reenactments. But it didn’t keep us from exploring the area, the church of our ancestors, and of meeting some terrific people.

Happy Birthday, Fort Stanwix!

Oh, how we love Fort Stanwix! Fort Stanwix, in Rome, NY, was built during the French and Indian War, to provide protection for “The Carry.” The Carry was a trail on dry ground between the popular waterways, Wood Creek and the Mohawk River. It was so named because settlers and traders had to hop out [...]

Fort Stanwix, Rome, NY: A Great Park!

Fort Stanwix in Rome recently celebrated it’s 75th anniversary as a state park and National Historic Site! This week is National Park Week, and Fort Stanwix has some special events at the park. This is from National Park Service: “We are excited about this coming year and celebrating the 75th birthday of Fort Stanwix National [...]

Next Page »