The Colonial & Revolutionary Wars

The Colonial and Revolutionary Wars. Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park. During the colonial wars (1689 - 1763), Albany with its strategic Mohawk and Hudson river transportation routes was the starting point for invasions of French-held territory in the Great Lakes, Canada, and the Champlain Valley. In response, the French and their Indian allies struck southward, and isolated farms, such as Schuyler Flatts, were in constant danger. In 1747, the Schuyler house was fortified with a stockade.. Large enough to hold 100 soldiers, the fortification protected the farm and guarded the northern approach to Albany from attack. , The Schuyler Flatts farm was used as a campground and gathering place for troops on their way northward and westward to attack the French positions. Between 1755 and 1760, the British and provincial soldiers encamped at the Flatts numbered in the thousands., During the American Revolution, patriot troops stayed in the farm's sheds and barns in 1775 prior to the campaign against Canada. In 1777, troops again gathered at the Flatts and marched north to defeat the British under Burgoyne at the decisive Battle of Saratoga., Schuyler Flatts was a landmark on maps throughout colonial times., Between the Schuyler house and the Hudson River passed an important military route to Canada. , "...the great north road, the highway of the pioneer, the settler, the trader, of brave armies, of troop and commander, the path over which the brilliant and gallant young Howe led his force to the fight of Lake George, and over which, the captive Burgoyne rode by the side of his conqueror." J.H. Bogart, 1855.