A Weekend Itinerary for a Historic Stroll through Albany, NY

Albany County played a significant role in America’s fight for independence, serving as a hub for political discussions and military planning critical to victory. Many residents joined the Continental Army, and key figures like Alexander Hamilton had strong connections to the area.

This weekend itinerary invites you to explore the homes, landmarks, and stories of those who shaped the Revolutionary era.

Friday Evening

Here are 2 check-in options for you for the Friday evening:

Option 1: The Century House

Start your historic weekend at The Century House in Latham, a boutique hotel with roots tracing back to America’s early years. The property was originally part of land purchased by the Stephen Van Rensselaer family in 1790.

Later, in 1949, the estate was transformed into a hotel and restaurant. Today, you can enjoy dinner at the on-site Federal Tavern, a cozy space where the charm of the past meets modern hospitality.

• Location: 997 New Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110

Option 2: Morgan State House Inn

For a stay that combines modern comfort with a historical ambiance, consider the Morgan State House Inn. Located in downtown Albany, this elegant bed and breakfast is housed in a restored 19th-century building, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past.

• Location: 393 State Street, Albany, NY 12210

Saturday

Morning: Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site

Begin your day at the Schuyler Mansion, the former home of Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler. Built in the 18th century, this grand Georgian-style mansion became a center for political and military strategy during the Revolution. The home also hosted notable figures such as Alexander Hamilton, who married Schuyler’s daughter, Eliza, in the mansion’s parlor.

Guided tours offer a glimpse into the lives of the Schuyler family, enslaved individuals on the estate, and the mansion’s role in shaping early American history. Specialized tours focus on Hamilton’s connections to the Schuylers, women’s roles at the mansion, and the stories of the Harlem Revolution.

• Address: 32 Catherine Street, Albany, NY 12202
• Location: Situated in Albany's South End neighborhood, overlooking the Hudson River.‍
• Hours: Opens at 11 AM, tours by appointment are offered with the last tour beginning at 4 PM.

• Entry fee is quite reasonable, with a $5 admission for adults and discounts for seniors, students, while children under 12 can enter free of charge.
• To make sure your reservation is confirmed, be sure to speak directly with the staff at (518) 434-0834. Just leaving a voicemail won't suffice.

From the Schuyler Mansion, continue your journey through Albany’s Revolutionary history with a visit to the Fort Frederick Site.

Afternoon: Fort Frederick Site

After lunch, take a moment to visit the site of Fort Frederick, once a British fortification during the 18th century. Built in 1676, it was designed to replace the deteriorating Fort Orange. Its primary goal was dual: ensuring protection from Native American raids and maintaining English control over the Dutch populace. Named in honor of Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales, this fort's evolution reflects significant architectural and historical changes.

Initially constructed as a wooden stockade equipped with two modest structures, it was later transformed between 1702 and 1735 into a more robust masonry fortification. While the original fort no longer stands, a historical marker at the intersection of State and Lodge Streets provides context about its significance during the Revolutionary era.

• Address: Intersection of State Street and Lodge Street, Albany, NY 12207
• Location: In downtown Albany, near the New York State Capitol.

Lunch Tip: Nearby options for lunch include The City Beer Hall and McGeary’s Irish Pub, both offering excellent local flavors.

Following your visit to the Fort Frederick site, continue your journey through history with a tour of the Albany Rural Cemetery to reflect on the lives of Revolutionary heroes.

Evening: Albany Rural Cemetery

End your day at Albany Rural Cemetery, where many Revolutionary War figures rest, including General Philip Schuyler and General Abraham Ten Broeck. This cemetery, established in 1844, also holds the remains of other notable figures like General Peter Gansevoort and Colonel Goose Van Schaick, both Continental Army leaders.

Designed by David Bates Douglass, its layout was influenced by the rural cemetery movement, which transformed traditional burial grounds into landscaped parks. With features such as ravines, streams, and an eclectic mix of historic monuments, Albany Rural Cemetery invites visitors to explore its scenic paths and tranquil environment.

• Address: Cemetery Avenue, Menands, NY 12204
• Location: Just north of Albany, approximately 4 miles from downtown.‍
• Hours: Gates are open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM from March to November.

For dinner, head to The Albany War Room Tavern, a restaurant that celebrates New York State’s political history with memorabilia and photos. Please note that the War Room is closed in July and August. Alternate dinner spots include The Hollow Bar + Kitchen or Common Roots Brewing Company.

Sunday

Breakfast at Olde English Pub

Begin your final day with brunch at the Olde English Pub, located in the historic Quackenbush House. Built in the 1730s for the Quackenbush family, the home later became a stop for Continental troops during the Revolution.

Colonel Henry Quackenbush, a Revolutionary officer, resided here and provided refreshments for troops escorting captured British General Burgoyne after the Battle of Saratoga.

• Location: 683 Broadway, Albany, NY

After breakfast, head to Cohoes to visit a key Revolutionary War site—the Crailo State Historic Site.

Morning: Crailo State Historic Site

Begin your day with a visit to the Crailo State Historic Site in Rensselaer, just across the Hudson River from Albany. This museum, once the home of the Van Rensselaer family, offers insights into the historical experience and the area's role during the Revolutionary War.

Crailo's name, translating to 'crows wood' in Dutch, reflects its European roots, while the building's transformations showcase a merging of Dutch aesthetics with Georgian elegance, and later, the Federal style. Notably, it's believed to be the birthplace of the song "Yankee Doodle," which evolved from a British mockery to an American anthem during the Revolution.

• Address: 9 1/2 Riverside Avenue, Rensselaer, NY 12144
• Location: Across the Hudson River from Albany in the city of Rensselaer.‍
• Hours: Typically open May through October; check ahead for tour availability.

Afternoon

Option 1: Van Schaick Mansion

Conclude your weekend at the Van Schaick Mansion in Cohoes, which is a small drive from Albany. Constructed between 1735 and 1755, this 1½-story brick abode is nestled on Van Schaick Island, at the compelling confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers in Cohoes, New York.

The mansion’s historical standing is pivotal, having served as military headquarters during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812. Its drawing rooms once bustled with the strategic plots of Generals Schuyler, Gates, Poor, and St. Clair, as well as Colonels Morgan, Gansevoort, and Arnold, setting the stage for the Battle of Saratoga.

• Address: 1 Van Schaick Avenue, Cohoes, NY 12047
• Location: In Cohoes, approximately 12 miles north of Albany.‍
• Tours: By appointment or on select Sundays (1 PM–4 PM in 2024: July 28, August 18, September 22, October 20).‍
• Contact: (518) 489-5160

Option 2: Saratoga National Historical Park

Conclude your weekend with a trip to the Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, approximately 30 miles north of Albany. This park preserves the site of the Battles of Saratoga, a pivotal turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Explore the battlefield, visit the visitor center for exhibits and a short film, and take a scenic drive through the park to view key locations of the 1777 battles.

• Address: 648 Route 32, Stillwater, NY 12170
• Location: About 30 miles north of Albany, near the village of Stillwater.
• Hours: The park's tour road invites vehicles from April 1 through November 30, depending on the weather, with access from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pedestrians and bikers can enjoy the routes from dawn to dusk, offering ample opportunity to absorb the historic ambiance.

A Historic Weekend to Remember

This carefully curated itinerary offers an immersive experience of Albany’s Revolutionary history. From the grand mansions to the resting places of key figures, your weekend will be filled with stories of courage, strategy, and resilience. Explore, reflect, and enjoy the unique charm of Albany’s historic sites.

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