Fort Klock: A timeless piece of American History

A trip to Old Fort Klock near St. Johnsville on Route 5 is a great way to revisit New York States historic “past.” The L shaped stone farmhouse served as a Fort in two different Wars, the French and Indian as well as the American Revolution. Built in 1750 by Johannes Klock one of the many Palatine Germans who populated the area, Fort Klock actually saw one of the last skirmishes of the Revolutionary War on October 19, 1780 at the Battle of Klock’s Field, also referred to as “The Great Raid”.

The Fort and grounds have been restored and new farm buildings erected in the Dutch style so that the Fort Klock Restoration, the group that now runs it, can hold it open yearly from Memorial Day to Columbus Day for visitors to learn of its unique history.

It is written that many famous personages of the time including Chief Joseph Brant, General Clinton, Alexander Hamilton and King Hendrick, were all guest within its walls at one time or another.

Fort Klock, was built on a hill overlooking the Mohawk River and just above the King’s Highway (now the railroad bed). For protection against raiding Indians it contained “loop holes” so that it could be fortified by long rifle from within its walls during raids. It served as protection for other settlers in the area during these times. Its formidable stonewalls that are two feet thick could ward off munitions as well as fire.

The story of the many raids that took place from Canada are featured in the book “The Burning of the Valley” by Gavin K.Watt”, a wonderfully researched book with a story and maps of the famous “Burning of the Harvest at Klock’s Field”. Humorously, the book gives us the view from the British–Canadian raiders side. So few of us realize that many of the Mohawk Valley settlers who remained loyal to the Crown had to flee to Canada, leaving their homes behind and that many of these settlers participated in these burning raids as retribution.

Fort Klock (actually there were more than one) was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, being listed as – “A site of exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States.” And as that it truly is a place worth visiting!

For more information and it calendar of events you can visit the website http://fortklock.com/.

Tags: Fort Klock, French and Indian War, Mohawk Valley, National Register of Historic Places, Revolutionary War