Old Fort Johnson
Located one mile west of Amsterdam
on Route 5. (Exit 27 of NYS Thruway)
Colonial Days 2005
Weekend Activities Blacksmith Kilting 18th c. Fashion Show Kids Muster Midwife Candle maker Gunsmith Knifesmith Herbalist Tinsmith Furniture maker
Join us
this July 23-24, 2005 for our annual
Colonial Days www.oldfortjohnson.org
518-843-0300
Welcome to Old Fort Johnson. Home to Sir William Johnson during the French and Indian War. Now maintained and operated by the Montgomery County Historical Society, a non profit organization established in 1905 to collect and preserve Mohawk Valley history for the enrichment of the public. The original intact 18th century Baronial Manor contains period rooms, special long and short term exhibits as well as an excellent research library. Several special events are hosted each season. In addition to Colonial Days, there are lectures, workshops and social gatherings from May to October. Each summer, Sir William opens his home to the public, with a Colonial Days celebration. Period craftsmen, sutlers, re-enactors, musicians, native americans and guests
will be on hand to recreate the sites and sounds of the 18th century in the Mohawk Valley. The story of Sir William Johnson began with his arrival in the Mohawk Valley as a young man to manage his uncle's estate, but he soon acquired land of his own. In 1749, he built a fieldstone house he called Fort Johnson, his residence for 14 years and the site of numerous Indian conferences. Johnson conferred regularly with the Iroquois, and he also met the representatives of tribes from New England and the Midwest. His negotiations with the Iroquois nations kept them on the side of the British during the French and Indian War, and the alliance continued during the War for Independence. The residence became home to son John Johnson from 1763 - 1774.
Information on Fort events and Re-enactment schedules for 2005 can be found at our website: www.oldfortjohnson.org