List of New York historic sites facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

New York State is full of amazing places where history comes alive! These special spots are called historic sites and parks. They are managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and there are 40 of them across the state.

Many of these sites are also recognized as National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) by the United States government, which means they are super important to the history of the entire country. Even if a site isn't an NHL, it's still very important to New York's history. Let's explore some of these incredible places!

Exploring New York's Historic Sites
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Exploring New York's Historic Sites

New York's historic sites cover a wide range of history, from important battlefields to homes of famous people and amazing old buildings. Each one tells a unique story about the past.

Historic Battlefields and Forts

These sites help us remember important battles and military history.

Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site

This site in Walloomsac is where a key battle took place during the American Revolutionary War. It was a big win for the American forces!

Fort Crailo State Historic Site

Located in Rensselaer, this site is part of the historic Fort Crailo. It gives us a peek into early colonial life and military history in New York.

Crown Point State Historic Site

In Crown Point, you can explore the remains of old forts, including Fort Crown Point. These forts were very important during conflicts like the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.

Fort Montgomery State Historic Site

This site in Fort Montgomery was a crucial fort during the American Revolutionary War, protecting the Hudson River.

Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site

Found in Youngstown, this fort has a long history, being controlled by the French, British, and Americans at different times. It's a great place to learn about colonial military life.

New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site

Near Vails Gate, this was the final winter encampment of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. It's where the army waited for the official end of the war.

Fort Ontario State Historic Site

In Oswego, this fort has a rich history, being held by the British until 1796. It also served as a unique refuge for Jewish refugees during World War II.

Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site

This battlefield in Oriskany was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolutionary War, fought between American Patriots and British forces with their allies.

Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site

Located in Sackets Harbor, this site was important during the War of 1812. It played a key role in naval battles on Lake Ontario.

Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site

This site in Stony Point commemorates a daring nighttime attack by American forces during the Revolutionary War, showing their bravery and skill.

Homes of Famous People

Many historic sites are the former homes of important figures in New York and American history.

John Brown Farm State Historic Site

In North Elba, this is the farm and gravesite of John Brown, a famous abolitionist who fought against slavery.

John Burroughs Memorial State Historic Site

This site in Roxbury is part of Woodchuck Lodge, the home of famous naturalist John Burroughs. It's a peaceful place to learn about his life and love for nature.

Clermont State Historic Site

Located in Clermont, this site is part of the historic Clermont Manor, the home of the Livingston family, who were very important in New York's early history.

Grant Cottage State Historic Site

In Wilton, this is where Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War general and former U.S. President, spent his final days.

Guy Park State Historic Site

Found in Amsterdam, this historic home was unfortunately closed to the public in 2011 due to flood damage.

Herkimer Home State Historic Site

This site in Danube is the home of Nicholas Herkimer, a general during the American Revolutionary War.

Hyde Hall State Historic Site

In Springfield, Hyde Hall is a beautiful and historic country estate.

Jay Heritage Center (Jay Estate)

Located in Rye, this estate was home to the Jay family, including John Jay, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

John Jay Homestead State Historic Site

Another home of John Jay, this site in Katonah offers a look into his life and family.

Johnson Hall State Historic Site

In Johnstown, this was the home of Sir William Johnson, an important figure in colonial New York and relations with Native American tribes.

Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site

Located in New Windsor, this site served as a headquarters for several American generals during the Revolutionary War, including Henry Knox.

Darwin Martin House State Historic Site

In Buffalo, this is a famous house designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It's a masterpiece of modern architecture.

Olana State Historic Site

Found in Greenport, this is the unique home and studio of the famous landscape painter Frederic Church.

Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site

In Yonkers, this historic manor was once the home of the Philipse family, who were wealthy landowners in colonial New York.

Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site

Located in Albany, this grand mansion was the home of Philip Schuyler, a general in the Revolutionary War and father-in-law of Alexander Hamilton.

Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site

In Huntington Station, this is the birthplace of the famous American poet Walt Whitman.

Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site

Found in Newburgh, this was George Washington's longest-serving military headquarters during the Revolutionary War.

Parks and Other Historic Places

These sites offer a mix of natural beauty and historical significance.

Caumsett State Historic Park

This park in Lloyd Harbor was once the estate of Marshall Field III. It's a beautiful place with a special area for bird conservation.

Clinton House State Historic Site

Located in Poughkeepsie, this historic house has ties to early New York State government.

Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park

This park follows the path of the historic Croton Aqueduct, which once supplied New York City with fresh water. It's a great place for walking and biking.

Old Erie Canal State Historic Park

This park preserves a 36-mile section of the original Erie Canal between DeWitt and Rome. The Erie Canal was a huge engineering feat that helped New York grow.

Ganondagan State Historic Site

In Victor, this site preserves the history and culture of the Seneca people, one of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) nations.

Lorenzo State Historic Site

Located in Cazenovia, this historic estate offers a look into life in the 19th century.

National Purple Heart Hall of Honor

Found in New Windsor, this special place honors all recipients of the Purple Heart medal, awarded to military members wounded or killed in action.

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

In Oyster Bay, this park features beautiful gardens and the historic Coe Hall.

Senate House State Historic Site

Located in Kingston, this was where New York's first State Senate met in 1777, making it a very important place for the state's government history.

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park

In Canandaigua, this park features stunning gardens and a beautiful mansion.

Staatsburgh State Historic Site

Found in Staatsburg, this site includes a grand mansion and a bird conservation area, offering both history and nature.

Steuben Memorial State Historic Site

In Steuben, this site honors Baron von Steuben, a Prussian military officer who helped train the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

Located in Glen, this site preserves important parts of the Erie Canal, including aqueducts and locks, showing how the canal worked.

Images for kids

Bennington Battlefield
John Brown Farm
John Burroughs Memorial
Caumsett State Historic Park
Clermont State Historic Site
Clinton House
Crailo State Historic Site
Old Croton Aqueduct
Crown Point State Historic Site
The Old Erie Canal and its towpath at Kirkville, New York, within Old Erie Canal State Historic Park.
Ganondagan State Historic Site
Grant Cottage State Historic Site
Guy Park State Historic Site
Herkimer Home State Historic Site
Hyde Hall State Historic Site
Jay Estate
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site
Johnson Hall State Historic Site
Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site
Lorenzo State Historic Site
Darwin Martin House State Historic Site
Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site
Olana State Historic Site
Fort Ontario State Historic Site
Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site
Philipse Manor State Historic Site
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Senate House State Historic Site
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Steuben Memorial State Historic Site
Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site
Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site