Troy in Rensselaer County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

French House

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 5, 2024

1. French House Marker

Inscription. Originally part of the land owned by Jacob D. Vanderheyden, lots 79 and 80 were purchased from Nelson Davenport in 1865 by Mary Southwick Tillinghast. The residence was built over four years, finally being occupied in 1869 by C. W. and Mary Tillinghast. After their deaths, Frances Tillinghast Barker moved into the home with her husband, Stephen, and son, Charles Whitney (C.W.). C.W. resided in the Tillinghast-Barker home until 1936, when as a former trustee of the College, he sold the home to Russell Sage College for $10.

In 1939, a bequest from Louise Bontecou Cluett Cowee allowed for the renovation of the east wing and an addition that formed an outdoor courtyard. The newly formed courtyard was named Court Lafayette to commemorate the 1824 visit to Troy of the great French general. An inscription over the door of the Troy Female Seminary read, “We owe our schools to freedom; freedom to Lafayette.”

In 1940, the house was formally dedicated as “La Maison Francaise” at a ceremony attended by the French Ambassador to the U.S.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture

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• Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 42° 43.659′ N, 73° 41.613′ W. Marker is in Troy, New York, in Rensselaer County. It is on 1st Street south of Ferry Street (New York State Route 2), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 76 1st St, Troy NY 12180, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

in the Capital District,

and in the Albany Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 92 First Street (a few steps from this marker); Edith McCrea House (within shouting distance of this marker); 90 First Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Fredericka Voorhaar Slingerland Alumnae House (within shouting distance of this marker); Julia Howard Bush Memorial Center

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 5, 2024

2. French House Marker

The recently renovated mansion is used for student housing.

(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Emma Hart Willard (about 400 feet away); Uncle Sam (about 400 feet away); On This Site (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Troy.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 1, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.