Fort Crailo facts for kids
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Fort Crailo
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Front elevation and north profile, with work underway on entrance walkway, in 2010
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 9½ Riverside Ave, Rensselaer, NY |
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| Built | c. 1712 |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Dutch Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000563 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | November 11, 1961 |
The Crailo State Historic Site is a cool old brick house in Rensselaer, New York. It's also known as Fort Crailo or the Yankee Doodle House. It was built way back in 1707. The name Crailo comes from a Dutch phrase meaning "crow's woods." This name was used for a family estate in Holland. Fort Crailo is a very important historical place. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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History of Fort Crailo
For a long time, starting around 1663, the area around Fort Crailo was called Greenbush. It had farms, fruit trees, mills, a store, and even a ferry to Albany.
Early Defenses and Wars
As early as 1663, there was a small fort here. It helped protect local people from attacks during conflicts like the Esopus Wars. In 1675, during King Philip's War, a local leader was told to build a fence around this fort. British and colonial soldiers often stayed at Crailo's farms. This happened during the French and Indian Wars, starting in 1694.
Building the Manor House
The property was passed down to Hendrick van Rensselaer. He was the grandson of the original owner. Hendrick built the main house in 1707. His son, Johannes, became a captain in the local army. Captain van Rensselaer took over Crailo in 1740.
Attacks and Fortifications
The house likely got its special gunports after a big attack in 1746. About 80 French and Native American raiders attacked Greenbush. Some people were killed during this attack. People in Albany watched from across the river. But their soldiers could not cross in time to help Greenbush.
In 1751 and 1754, Captain van Rensselaer helped the soldiers. He gave them candles and firewood. The house was made bigger in 1762. The small openings on the lower floor show that the house was built to be defended.
The "Yankee Doodle" Song
Fort Crailo is famous for a fun story. In 1755, a British Army doctor named Richard Shuckburgh stayed here. He supposedly wrote the song "Yankee Doodle" at Fort Crailo. He wrote it to make fun of the American colonial soldiers. These soldiers fought alongside the British in the French and Indian Wars.
Becoming a Landmark
Fort Crailo was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961. This means it is a very important place in American history.
Crailo as a Museum
Today, the State of New York runs Fort Crailo as a museum. It teaches visitors about the Dutch culture in colonial New York. You can see old clothes, furniture, and household items. There are also ancient tools and objects found from other old Dutch sites. Many items from the Fort Orange archaeological dig are on display.
Gallery
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Fort Crailo in 1907
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Fort Crailo in a HABS photo, around 1940
See also
