Johnson Hall State Historic Site

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Address
139 Hall Avenue
Johnstown, NY 12095

Saratoga/Capital District Region

Latitude 43.015064

Longitude -74.382301

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General Information: (518) 762-8712

JohnsonHall@parks.ny.gov

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2022 Geocache challenge

Johnson Hall was the 1763 Georgian-style estate of Irish immigrant Sir William Johnson (1715 - 1774) and Molly Brant, a Mohawk Indian, and their eight children. Johnson was the largest single landowner and most influential individual in the colonial Mohawk Valley. His success in dealing with the Six Nations of the Iroquois greatly influenced England's victory over France for control of colonial North America. For his service, the British Crown bestowed upon Johnson the title of Baronet, and later appointed him Superintendent of Indian Affairs, a position to which he devoted himself and held throughout his life.

Differing cultures, traditions and languages combined to create a unique life for the Johnson family, with the Hall bustling with activity as home life and business life intermingled daily. Visitors included members of various Indian tribes, sometimes numbering in the hundreds at Council gatherings. The home was the centerpiece of a 700-acre working estate, with gardens, a mill, blacksmith shop, Indian store, barns, slave and servant housing and other essential buildings.

Following the death of Sir William in 1774, Molly and her children left Johnson Hall, and his eldest son John inherited the property and title of Baronet. The Revolution would cause this Loyalist family to eventually flee to Canada, and the Johnson Hall property and most of its contents were subsequently sold at auction following the War. Johnson Hall remained a private residence through 1906, when it was acquired by the State of New York and opened to the public as a State Historic Site. Today, Johnson Hall continues to welcome visitors and interpret the Johnson family through guided tours of the period room settings and of the historic grounds, educational programs and special events.

Please take a few minutes to complete our Visitor Survey

Hours of Operation

2022 Season: May 18th through October 9th

Guided Tours of The Hall
Guided tours will be given on the hour Wednesdays through Saturday between 10am to 4pm (final tour begins at 3pm) and Sunday between 1pm and 4pm (final tour begins at 3pm). Special events may alter this schedule. To ensure tour date availability you may contact site staff during normal business hour at (518) 762-8712.
The grounds are open to the public from sunrise to sunset.

Fees & Rates

Admission
Fees and Rates for Guided Tours

$7.00 Adults
$6.00 Senior Citizens and Students
Children 12 and under Free
$2.00 per person per program/$20 minimum School Groups (advance reservation)
$5.00 per person per program/$20 minimum Groups (advance reservation)

Maps

Trail Map (pdf)

Fri 02 Dec

Holiday Open House
Friday, December 2, 2022 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Johnson Hall State Historic Site

Johnson Hall State Historic Site welcomes our neighbors by opening its doors for a holiday open house in concert with the Johnstown Colonial Stroll. Enjoy the splendor of the baronial home of Sir William, decked in greenery generously donated by Godries Tree Farm and assembled with kindness by the Kingsboro Garden Club. The 18th c. sounds of Liaisons Plaisantes will fill the grand hall. Friends of Johnson Hall will be serving cheer and refreshments in the stone house. Stop by for some warm cider and entering the raffle for three festive and unique offerings – a basket of gourmet gingerbread cookies by Martha Stewart's Wendy Kromer (as well as a signed copy of Weddings cookbook she co-authored with Martha), colonial centerpieces from the hall for your table or mantle at home or a basket of cookies and a family heritage cookbook featuring recipes 200 years old. Tickets will be $5 a piece or 3 for $12. Admission is free and transportation generously provided by the Office of Aging from Main Street to the Hall and back throughout the evening. The house is open from 5-9 pm. See you for a splendid and magical night!

View all events for Johnson Hall State Historic Site

Amenities Information

Amenities
Gift Shop (Accessible)
Picnic Area (Accessible)
Tours
Visitor Center (Accessible)

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation