Fort Johnstown, Johnstown, NY

Fort Johnstown was originally built as a gaol (jail) under the direction of Sir William Johnson in 1772. It was fortified and stockaded during the American Revolution and it served as a place of refuge on the New York frontier for the local inhabitants. Today it stands as a reminder of the battles fought in gaining independence.

Its cannon and flagpole were dedicated in 1900. The cannon balls were welded together shortly thereafter to put an end to pranksters regularly rolling them down Perry Street hill. It was used as a jail until recently, and was replaced by a new county jail on Route 29.

Other Links:
Historic photo
Listen to a memory (if sound doesn't play, please install RealPlayer)
Read transcript of interview excerpts

Speaker: Noel Levee

 

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