Fort Crailo

Fort Crailo, also known as Yankee Doodle House or Crailo State Historic Site, is a historic, fortified brick manor house in Rensselaer, New York, United States. Crailo is a Dutch word meaning Crow's Woods, and refers to an area of the large patroonship held by Kiliaen van Rensselaer, c. 1585–1643. This property was inherited by Hendrick van Rensselaer, Kilian's grandson, who built the house in approximately 1712. It was expanded in 1762-1768. At ... more

Fort Crailo, also known as Yankee Doodle House or Crailo State Historic Site, is a historic, fortified brick manor house in Rensselaer, New York, United States. Crailo is a Dutch word meaning Crow's Woods, and refers to an area of the large patroonship held by Kiliaen van Rensselaer, c. 1585–1643. This property was inherited by Hendrick van Rensselaer, Kilian's grandson, who built the house in approximately 1712. It was expanded in 1762-1768. At various times, the grounds were used as a campground for British and colonial troops. It is reportedly the place where, in 1755, British Army surgeon Richard Shuckburgh, quartered in the home, wrote the ditty "Yankee Doodle" to mock the colonial troops who fought with the British in the French and Indian Wars. Fort Crailo was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961. It is operated by the State of New York as a 17th century historic house museum that focuses on the history of the Dutch colonists in New York state. Exhibits include... less