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Historic Fort Klock to open for season May 30
By KEN D. JOHNSON Special to The Evening Times, Little Falls (Wed., May 25)
ST. JOHNSVILLE -- Deep within the Mohawk Valley lies one of America's great historical treasures. Located on 30-plus acres, it appears to be a simple park or a well kept homestead on New York state's Route 5. Yet the history of this place dates back to the earliest days of the Mohawk Valley. Today it serves as gathering place for young and old alike who wish to learn more of their past, culture and struggles which led to the founding of the United States. Today Fort Klock serves as a place of relaxation, reflection and learning, a place where all are welcome and can go away feeling better for having visited.
Located on the northern bank of the Mohawk River, Fort Klock is situated about two miles east of the village of St. Johnsville, on a tract of land known as Lot 11 of the Francis Harrison Patent. In 1742, Johannes Klock purchased this acreage from John Wendell of Boston, and the structure now known as Fort Klock was born out of rock in 1750.
Built under the watchful eyes of Klock, the house continued to serve as the family homestead until early in the 20th century. By mid-century, its stone walls had began to crumble from age and neglect. Then in 1954, the Tryon County Muzzle Loaders were able to obtain a lease on the property (and later purchase it) from Alex Don, and its restoration began. After several years of serving the Muzzle Loaders, New York State Regents granted a charter to form Fort Klock Historic Restoration. Ownership of the property later passed from the Muzzle Loaders to the restorers, who continue to operate it today as a living museum and monument to the men and women who lived and served in the Mohawk Valley.
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Historically, Fort Klock stood as a quiet sentinel throughout the French and Indian Wars of the 1750s. On October 19, 1780, it was able to prove its worth. On that fateful day, John Klock, a grandson of the owner, was located within the house for protection from the Sir John Johnson's marauders who had earlier that day massacred patriot forces under Colonel John Brown of Pittsfield, Mass.
Following Brown's defeat at Stone Arabia (about 1.5 miles south of the Stone Arabia churches on State Route 10) Johnson's force continued to burn everything before them in the Palatine District. Young Klock said that this British force, late in the day, approached the home and that his uncle, John Leonard Crouse, fired upon them from within and killed a mounted British soldier. Before nightfall the Battle of Klock's Field and Failing's Orchard broke out just a short mile or so above the fort and the miscreant force was defeated.
For this reason and others, the National Park Service designated the Fort Klock homestead as a national historic landmark in 1973.
Today the homestead serves as a cultural education facility where young and old alike can visit the past. Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., site interpreters are available to lead visitors through the ancient stone house, Dutch barn, country school and blacksmith's shop. On various occasions throughout the summer and fall, visitors can find themselves interacting with colonial re-enactors, local historians, colonial craftsmen, artificers and others. Various special programs are also conducted throughout the open season. A list of events is available upon request, including the 225th anniversary of the two battles described above, which will take place the last weekend in September.
Several other historical sites are in the area and are easily accessible from the homestead.
On Monday, May 30, the fort site reopens to the public for its 44th season. Local Colonial craftsman will be present to share their knowledge of the skills of the past with the general public. Re-enactors from the Third Tryon County Regiment of Militia are also planning on being in attendance to demonstrate the art of colonial soldiery and their all important role in establishing the United States. To learn more about Fort Klock, call 518-568-7779.
A new website at www.fortklockrestoration.org will be available soon.
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In addition to the Klock homestead, three other structures are part of the Klock Historic site:
• 1825 one room Country School
• Early 19th century working Blacksmith Shop
• 1840 Cheese House
• 18th century Dutch Barn
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Fort Klock Historic Restoration
PO Box 42 • St. Johnsville NY 13452
(518) 568-7779
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