Van Schaick Mansion

The Van Schaick Mansion was built between 1735 and 1755 for Anthony Van Schaik. Because of its strategic location, the home played a part in both the French and Indian War as well as the American Revolution. Several generals used the home as their headquarters and much of the planning for the battle of Saratoga took place in the mansion. The home remained in the Van Schaik family for many years but was purchased by the General Peter Gansevoort Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2001. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.The organization is actively engaged in the preservation of the home and offers tours on Sundays.

One of New York’s most historic homes, the Van Schaik mansion was built between 1735 and 1755 by Anthony Van Schaick. He also set aside a small plot of nearby land to be used as a family cemetery. The home sits at the junction of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, and whether Van Schaik intended it to be so or not, its location would eventually make the home a valuable asset in two wars.

Not only is the home situated at the junction of two significant rivers, it is also in between New York City and Canada. Given its location, it was an ideal military stronghold, and the home was used as a headquarters by several British generals during the French and Indian War.

During the Revolutionary War, the home would also play an important role. It was in the home that John G. Van Schaick (the third generation of Van Schaicks in America) loaned $10,000 in gold to General Horatio Gates for the purchase of supplies for his men. There was also a war camp located at the top of the hill behind the home. In 1777, Generals Schuyler, Gates, Poor, St. Clair, and other officers stayed in the Van Schaik home as they made plans for the battle of Saratoga, which would prove to be one of the war’s pivotal battles.

The Van Schaick home remained in the family for many years and the home remains much as it was in the 18^th century, aside from the addition of porches to the front and rear. In 1971, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2011, the home was purchased by the General Peter Gansevoort Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Van Schaik Mansion, Albany.org. Accessed August 23rd 2021. https://www.albany.org/listing/van-schaick-mansion/672/.

Gifford, Peggy. Military History of the Van Schaik Mansion, Spindle City Historic Society. Accessed August 23rd 2021. http://www.spindlecity.net/V.S.Mansion_2.pdf.