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\u00a0\u2014 and lived\u00a0\u2014 far beyond the battlefield.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown welcomes visitors for tours and offers galleries, gardens, carriage trails and community events.<\/p>\n
John Rozell \/ Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation<\/p>\n
Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Georgian-style mansion overlooks one of the Hudson River Valley\u2019s 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\u2019s presidential oath, negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, and advanced steamboat technology.\u00a0<\/p>\n The restored estate welcomes visitors for tours and offers exhibit galleries, formal gardens, scenic carriage trails and a full calendar of community events.<\/p>\n Built in 1787 on a rise above the Winooski River in Burlington\u2019s Intervale, the Ethan Allen Homestead was the final home of the Revolutionary War hero.<\/p>\n Barry Winiker\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Ethan Allen Homestead Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Make the Times Union a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our journalism when you search.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Add Preferred Source<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Built in 1787 on a rise above the Winooski River in Burlington\u2019s Intervale, this modest Cape Cod\u2013style 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.<\/p>\n The Allen house is accessible by guided tour, with a lineup of special events planned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.<\/p>\n The Hancock House in Ticonderoga is a replica of American patriot John Hancock\u2019s 1737 Boston mansion, demolished in 1863.\u00a0<\/p>\n Courtesy of Fenimore Art Museum<\/p>\n Herkimer Home State Historic Site Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n The house is available for guided tours Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation<\/p>\n Hancock House<\/strong> Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Built in 1925 and opened in 1926, the home is a replica of American patriot John Hancock\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n John Kane began as a Patriot and member of New York\u2019s 1775 Provisional Congress, but later sided with the Loyalists leading to the seizure of his home, now the Pawling Historical Society.<\/p>\n Pawling Historical Society <\/p>\n
<\/strong>1 Clermont Ave., Germantown
friendsofclermont.org<\/a>; 518-537-4240<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/strong>1 Ethan Allen Homestead
Burlington, Vt.
ethanallenhomestead.org<\/a>; 802-865-4556<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/strong>200 Route 169, Little Falls
parks.ny.gov<\/a>; 315-823-0398<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
6 Moses Circle, Ticonderoga
larchny.org<\/a>; 518-585-7868<\/p>\n<\/p>\n