The
Revolutionary War in Albany County
Shaker Heritage Society
VanSchaick Mansion
25 Meeting House Rd., Albany | shakerheritage.org
1 VanSchaick Ave., Cohoes | vanschaickmansion.org
The Shaker Heritage Society is America’s first Shaker Settlement. While the American Revolution raged, another revolution occurred simultaneously in Albany County – the founding of the Shakers. The movement was founded by Mother Ann Lee as a pacifist religious community. Ann Lee arrived in America in 1776 and died one year after the war ended and is buried at the Shaker site. This year, the site will feature special exhibit “Ann Lee: One Woman’s Revolution” as well as tours and hikes associated with the spiritual revolution that mirrored the American Revolution.
The Van Schaick Mansion was built between 1735 and 1755 as the home of Anthony Van Schaick. The Continental Army camped behind the house and noteworthy figures, including General Philip Schuyler and Benedict Arnold, would meet in the home for strategy meetings. Colonel Peter Gonesvoort and Catherine Van Schaick were also married in the home. Today, the home is managed by the General Peter Ganesvoort Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The Mansion is open for tours & special events on select dates, check their website for more information.
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Underground Railroad Education Center
194 Livingston Ave., Albany undergroundrailroadhistory.org While the American Revolution was successful in freeing the Americas from British rule, it would not provide equal rights for all. Black Americans (both freed and enslaved), Indigenous, and women would continue the fight for equality for generations. The Underground Railroad Education Center is home to The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence. Stephen and Harriet were a free people of color, and their home was headquarters to the Capital Region’s Underground Railroad during the 1850s. While New York instituted gradual emancipation in 1799, it was not until July 4th 1827 that final emancipation was declared law in NYS.
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The Crossroads of the Revolution
This brochure was made possible by a grant through the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area in coordination with the Albany County Rev250 Commission and Discover Albany.