Our built environment played an important role in the American Revolution. George Washington made key decisions that helped define a new nation from a Dutch stone house overlooking the Hudson River. He also took up residence in the Dutchess County home of an ousted Loyalist while the Continental Army wintered nearby. Together, these places and others stand as living reminders that the Revolution was fought — and lived — far beyond the battlefield.
From riverfront estates to humble farmhouses and wartime headquarters, these historic homes in New York and elsewhere offer a window into the people and places that shaped the American Revolution.
Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown welcomes visitors for tours and offers galleries, gardens, carriage trails and community events.
John Rozell / Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown
1 Clermont Ave., Germantown
friendsofclermont.org; 518-537-4240
Article continues below this ad
The Georgian-style mansion overlooks one of the Hudson River Valley’s most stunning vistas and carries a rich history. Built around 1740 by Robert Livingston, it was burned by British forces in 1777 during the Revolutionary War to punish the family for supporting the rebel cause. Margaret Beekman Livingston led its rebuilding. Her son, Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, became a key American figure. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence, administered George Washington’s presidential oath, negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, and advanced steamboat technology.
The restored estate welcomes visitors for tours and offers exhibit galleries, formal gardens, scenic carriage trails and a full calendar of community events.
Built in 1787 on a rise above the Winooski River in Burlington’s Intervale, the Ethan Allen Homestead was the final home of the Revolutionary War hero.
Barry Winiker/Getty Images
Ethan Allen Homestead
1 Ethan Allen Homestead
Burlington, Vt.
ethanallenhomestead.org; 802-865-4556
Article continues below this ad
Make the Times Union a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our journalism when you search.
Add Preferred Source
Built in 1787 on a rise above the Winooski River in Burlington’s Intervale, this modest Cape Cod–style farmhouse was the final home of Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen. Set on a large 1,400-acre property, it reflected his brief return to farming late in life. Allen lived there less than two years before his death in 1789. Though altered over time, the house retains its original core.
The Allen house is accessible by guided tour, with a lineup of special events planned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
The Hancock House in Ticonderoga is a replica of American patriot John Hancock’s 1737 Boston mansion, demolished in 1863.
Courtesy of Fenimore Art Museum
Herkimer Home State Historic Site
200 Route 169, Little Falls
parks.ny.gov; 315-823-0398
Article continues below this ad
Built around 1764, the Georgian-style mansion was once home to Revolutionary War hero General Nicholas Herkimer. In 1777, Gen. Herkimer led about 800 militiamen and 60 Oneida allies to relieve Fort Stanwix during a British siege. On Aug. 6, they clashed at the Battle of Oriskany, one of the war’s bloodiest fights. Though badly wounded, Herkimer remained in command and died 10 days later after his leg was amputated. The mansion served as a fortified refuge during the war, with gunports added and troops stationed inside.
The house is available for guided tours Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
The Herkimer Home State Historic Site in Little Falls. The mansion served as a fortified refuge during the war, with gunports added and troops stationed inside.
New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Hancock House
6 Moses Circle, Ticonderoga
larchny.org; 518-585-7868
Article continues below this ad
Built in 1925 and opened in 1926, the home is a replica of American patriot John Hancock’s 1737 Boston mansion, demolished in 1863. Funded by philanthropist Horace A. Moses, its design draws on detailed architectural drawings, preserving many original features. It is operated by the Lower Adirondack Regional Center for History (LARCH), which has expanded it into a leading regional museum offering exhibits, programs, and community engagement.
The four-story museum is open Wednesday through Saturday in June and again from September through December, with daily hours offered throughout July and August.
John Kane began as a Patriot and member of New York’s 1775 Provisional Congress, but later sided with the Loyalists leading to the seizure of his home, now the Pawling Historical Society.
Pawling Historical Society
The John Kane House
126 E Main St., Pawling
pawlinghistory.org; 212-989-6270
Article continues below this ad
At the start of the Revolution, Irish immigrant John Kane supported the Patriot cause and was elected to New York’s Provisional Congress in 1775. But after the first year of fighting, he lost faith and aligned with the Loyalists. The state seized his home and property, and in September 1778, George Washington moved into the house while the Continental Army wintered nearby. Kane spent the rest of the war within British lines, while his family relocated to Nova Scotia.
Today, the John Kane House is the Pawling Historical Society’s main museum. Visitors are invited to tour both floors of the historic home.
Washington’s headquarters, Newburgh, N.Y., 1777 — 1890, Weir, Robert Walter (1803-1889), Hudson River (N.Y. and N.J.), Washington, George, 1732-1799, Homes and haunts, Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site (Newburgh, N.Y.), Hairstyles of the past, Quartered headquarters speak, History’s silence. (Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Sepia Times/Sepia Times/Universal Images Gro
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site
84 Liberty St., Newburgh
parks.ny.gov; 845-562-1195
Article continues below this ad
The property, which includes the Hasbrouck House, served as George Washington’s headquarters for more than a year and is the nation’s first publicly owned historic site. While in Newburgh, Washington made several key decisions that shaped the young nation, including disbanding the army, rejecting the idea of a monarchy, stopping a potential military coup known as the Newburgh Conspiracy, creating the Badge of Military Merit (now the Purple Heart) and sharing his vision for the new republic with state governors.
Visitors can tour the historic grounds, explore exhibits in English and Spanish, view museum collections and take part in special programs that bring Washington’s time in Newburgh to life.