Crailo Historic Site

Crailo was built in the early 18th century by Hendrick Van Rensselaer and served as a muster place during the French & Indian and Revolutionary Wars. On July 8, 1777 – after helping cover the American retreat from Fort Ticonderoga – Colonel Henry K. Van Rensselaer engaged British forces at the Battle of Fort Anne. During the fierce battle, Henry was shot in the leg, and his femur shattered. But he urged his men forward at a crucial moment, and they overwhelmed the British and forced them to fall back. Although the British eventually won the battle, the bloody encounter forced General John Burgoyne to pause his advance. This pause gave the Americans crucial time to consolidate their forces and prepare for the next phase of the campaign, which culminated at the battles of Saratoga.