Indian Castle Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Indian Castle Church
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Indian Castle Church, September 2009
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Indian Castle, New York |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1769 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000540 |
| Added to NRHP | February 18, 1971 |
The Indian Castle Church is a very old and special church located in Indian Castle, Herkimer County, New York. It's a historic "mission church," which means it was built to share religious teachings with a specific community. This church is made of wood and has a classic look with a pointed steeple.
You can find the church on NYS Route 5S near the town of Danube. Behind the church, there is a burial ground. This graveyard holds the remains of both Mohawk people and Europeans.
Contents
A Church with a Story
The Indian Castle Church was built in 1769. It was created by a very important British official named Sir William Johnson. He was in charge of Native American affairs for the British. The church was meant to be a mission for the Mohawk nation. The Mohawk people were an important part of the Iroquois League. They lived in much of New York State, west of the Hudson River.
Who Helped Build This Church?
The land for the church was given by two well-known Mohawk siblings: Joseph Brant and Molly Brant. They were very important people in their Mohawk village, called Canajoharie. This village was located on the south side of the Mohawk River.
Sir William Johnson paid for the church and oversaw its construction. Molly Brant was a longtime friend and partner of Sir William Johnson. Her brother, Joseph Brant, became a famous Mohawk military leader. He fought alongside the British during the American Revolutionary War. Later, he led the Mohawk people when they moved to Canada.
Why is This Church Important Today?
The Indian Castle Church is part of a larger area called the Mohawk Upper Castle Historic District. This district is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place of great historical importance to the United States.
The Indian Castle Church is the only colonial-era Native American missionary church still standing in New York State. Because of its unique history, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This listing helps protect and preserve it for future generations.
See also
- List of the oldest buildings in New York
