Abstract
This thesis documented the cultural landscape of Herkimer Home, a state historic site in the Mohawk Valley town of Little Falls, New York. The research was funded by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to inform management of the landscape.
Herkimer Home was originally deeded to Nicholas Herkimer in 1752, and subsequently belonged to other members of the Herkimer family until 1814. Nicholas Herkimer and his family played a prominent role in the eighteenth century development of the Mohawk River as a major transportation corridor to link eastern New York communities with western outposts. Herkimer was also a well-known military figure due to his ability to rally 800 men and boys during a British attack during the American Revolution in 1777 in the Mohawk Valley frontier. The Iroquois and British-allied Loyalists wounded Herkimer in the leg during an ambush. He was taken back to his home in Little Falls where his leg was amputated. He died ten days later from the injury sustained at the Battle of Oriskany and was regarded as a hero and martyr to the cause of American freedom. In 1913, the State of New York officially acquired 149.37-acre site from then owner Gertrude Bidleman Garlock.
The thesis includes a site history, existing conditions inventory, and analysis of significance. Since its acquisition by the state, the focus of management has been on the house. Research for the thesis supported expansion of the National Register documentation to include all the significant historic character-defining landscape features. These findings provide a basis for sound management and preservation of the historic rural landscape.
This thesis is also available at SUNY ESF’s Moon Library – Thesis Call Number H442