The Herkimer Home, located in Little Falls, New York, is a National Historic Landmark once the home of American Revolutionary War Brigadier General Nicholas Herkimer. The home is now a museum open to the public and displays original furniture, paintings, and artifacts from the Herkimer family. Learn more here.
The Herkimer Home was built in 1764 by Johan Jost Herkimer, the great-grandfather of Nicholas Herkimer. The home was passed down through the Herkimer family for several generations. In 1832, the home was purchased by Colonel Peter Bellinger, a close friend of Nicholas Herkimer. Learn more about Reasons to Visit the Little Falls Antique Center.
After the death of Nicholas Herkimer in 1777, the home was inherited by his son, John Herkimer. John Herkimer was a colonel in the New York State Militia and was also active in the politics of Herkimer County. He served as a New York State Assembly member from 1791 to 1796.
In 1796, John Herkimer sold the home to his brother, Nicholas Herkimer, Jr. Nicholas Herkimer, Jr. was a brigadier general in the New York State Militia and served in the War of 1812. He was also the last Herkimer to live in the home.
In 1832, the Herkimer Home was purchased by Colonel Peter Bellinger. Colonel Bellinger was a close friend of Nicholas Herkimer and served as his aide-de-camp during the American Revolutionary War. After the war, Colonel Bellinger settled in Little Falls and became a successful businessman. He was also active in local politics and served as a New York State Assembly member from 1804 to 1809.
Colonel Bellinger was a Masonic Lodge member and helped establish the Herkimer County Historical Society. He was also a founding member of the Little Falls Library and served as its first president.
The Herkimer Home remained in the Bellinger family until 1884, when it was sold to the Herkimer County Historical Society. The Society worked to restore the home to its original 18th-century appearance.
In 1961, the Herkimer Home was designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, the home is open to the public and displays original furniture, paintings, and artifacts from the Herkimer family.