5 /5 Ryan Mazierski: What a great museum! The Old Fort House Museum displays a great deal of local and national history! The house was built by Patrick Smyth in 1772 using timbers salvaged from Fort Edward. During the American Revolution the house operated as a tavern. George Washington, James Monroe, and Philip Schuyler all visited the tavern during this time. In the years after the Revolution it was a boarding house. During this time period Solomon Northup was an occupant of the house. Northup would later write the book "Twelve Years a Slave."
Inside the house each room is set to look like a different time period in American history, in which the house was occupied. It goes from the American Revolution to about the 1950s. The most interesting rooms in the house are Solomon Northups room, and the original tavern from the late 1700s. The house also displays a variety of artifacts. These include a tombstone of Jane McCrea, a chest made by Stephen Douglass, timbers from the original Fort Edward, and a chest that belonged to Philip Schuyler.
Outside the house the museum showcases gardens and buildings from in and around the Fort Edward area. Theres on old one room schoolhouse and law office among others. Several displays of local history are also presented in these buildings.
This museum should not be overlooked. It offers a lot for a very low admission price. Call ahead to make sure museum is open. Cash only. Is open on weekends. Gift shop offers much in the way of local history items and memorabilia.
