Herkimer Home State Historic Site

This site is closely linked to the Johnson Hall Historic Site.  In 1776 General Nicholas Herkimer met with Joseph Brant- who was Mary Brant's brother and also a Mohawk military and political leader - and asked him to convince the Six Nations to stay neutral. His request was denied. Joseph Brant joined a force of  Mohawk and Oneida warriors and fought on the British side during the Revolutionary War.

Both Herkimer and Brant were present at the Battle of Oriskany in August 1777, one of the bloodiest battles of the war.  The outcome was bad for Herkimer who was wounded in the leg and died in his home 10 days later from a botched amputation. Brant continued fighting on the British side for the duration of the war and afterward in support of the rights of his people until his death in 1807.

Nicholas Herkimer had no children so the house was inherited by his brother and sold in 1814. It was bought by the state in1914.

The site includes a small visitor center and the house which has been restored to its original appearance. The guided tours are very informative. A cold cellar and a family cemetery are also on the grounds.

 

The site is partly accessible. The parking lot is surfaced with rough gravel. The side entrance of the visitor center and the visitor center itself are accessible. The path to the house is paved with flag stone and goes downhill. Most wheelchair users will need assistance. Two narrow ramps were used to bridge the steps into the house. The first floor is accessible. Access to the basement kitchen requires a trip through the grass and positioning the ramps over the steps. We did not tour the cold cellar or the family cemetery.

The parking lot is large enough for any RV. Home  43.0275, -74.81757