Who Was Jane McCrea?


This painting by John Vanderlyn is a depiction of the murder of Jane McCrea on July 27, 1777.

If you stand at the entrance to the Washington County Building in Fort Edward and look across the street, you will see this sign.

If you then proceed through the gate and into the cemetary as the sign directs you, you will see the grave and tombstone of Jane McCrea. (I posted a full resolution picture if you click on the image below.)

This leads to the title of this post; who was Jane McCrea?

The sad irony is that Jane McCrea was a Loyalist murdered by Indians under the command of the British as she was going to see her British fiancé. It illustrates that in war sometimes it is unclear what side a person is on. Her death backfired on the British because it inspired the resistance to Burgoyne’s invasion leading to his defeat at Saratoga.

McCrae was born into the large family of Rev. James McCrae of New Jersey. Since her father’s death she had been living with her brother John near Saratoga and had become engaged to David Jones. When the war began two of her brothers joined the American forces while her fiancé fled with other Loyalists and joined the British army. Jones was serving as a lieutenant in one of the Loyalist militia units which was stationed at Fort Ticonderoga.

McCrea left her brother’s home and was traveling to join her fiancé at Ticonderoga. She had reached the village of Fort Edward. She was staying at the home of Sara McNeil, another Loyalist and an elderly cousin to the British General Simon Fraser.

On the morning of July 27, 1777, a group of Indians that were moving in advance of the main British force on their way to Saratoga, descended on the village of Fort Edward. They massacred a settler and his family, and then killed Lieutenant Tobias Van Vechten and four others when they walked into an ambush.

This same company of Indians then also raided the McNeil house, taking Jane and Mrs. McNeil hostage. As they withdrew, the two women were separated and Jane was murdered.

There are conflicting accounts of her death. The traditional version has it that two warriors quarreled over who would take her in for an expected reward thinking she was on the side of the Americans, and that one of them killed her with a tomahawk to settle the issue. Another account is that she was killed by a bullet from the Americans withdrawing from Fort Edward. This second version was claimed by the warrior who had her scalp, presumably to avoid punishment when questioned by General Fraser.

When Burgoyne heard of the killing he went to the Indian camp and ordered the culprit to be delivered, threatening to have him executed. He was told by General Fraser that such an act would cause the defection of all the Indians and might cause them to take revenge on the Britsih as they went back north. Burgoyne relented, and no action was taken against the Indians.

News of Jane’s death traveled quickly and became exaggerated and incited American resistance because of her horrible murder.

In the end the murder of Jane McCrea was a historical turning point in the Revolutionary War because it turned public opinion further against the British.

So the next time you’re at the Washington County Center in Fort Edward, venture across the road and pay your respect to the young lady buried there.

(The above was condensed from online sources.)

Washington County Beach Opens for 2009


Lifeguards, Nicole Enny, Lindsay Martell and Elyse Putorti stand in front of the new donations box at the Washington County Beach.

The Washington county beach at Huletts Landing is now open for the 2009 season. The park is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m – 8 p.m. and the swimming beach is open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

There are a few improvements for the 2009 season. Sand has been added to the volleyball court and a new donation box has been added to collect contributions.

The Washington county beach is the only free beach on Lake George in Washington county.

While the county cut funding this year, there are plans to hold a golf fundraiser and there will be some really neat T-shirts for sale which I got a preview of but which are not quite ready yet. I should have a copy of the design which I will post in the next few days.

So take a break and stop by for a swim or picnic. The Washington county beach is a hugh asset to the community and the county!

Rainbow Over Route 4

On the way back to Huletts last night, as we were driving north on Route 4, we came across a brilliant rainbow. So we stopped and I was able to shoot some video. So here it is.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiKNm3Gjtf4

Bits of Everything

Washington County Sales Tax Down

Washington County’s sales tax revenue is down from last year. Please try to buy local when you can. When you shop in Glens Falls/Queensbury, remember you’re shopping in Warren County.

Kentucky Derby Winner Headed to Travers

The Travers Stakes will be run at Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 29. and there are some big name horses coming to run.

What’s named Champlain?

Everything you ever wanted to know that’s named Champlain is in this press release.

Bits of Everything

National Grid Says Enough

While National Grid says they have enough electricity for the summer season, please conserve when you can.

DEC Decides High Profile Road Case

The Lake Placid News reports that the DEC has ruled in the interesting case of Lake Placid Snowmobile Club President, Jim McCulley, driving his truck on an old Town Road.

Jimmy Hoffa Would Be Proud

The Post Star reports that Washington County recycling station workers have joined the Teamsters. I will not make a joke about about the mafia and the trash hauling business!

Hopefully, They Won’t Look in the Garbage.

This is the story about trash hauling.

Bits of Everything

Ironside Has Become Rusty

Denton Publications has a story about guardrails that were supposed to be an environmental innovation, becoming well……rusty.

Warren & Washington County Homes Sales Plunge

The Post Star has a story about plummeting homes sales in Warren and Washington Counties.

When Photoshopping Goes Too Far

Here’s an interesting story about how some media outlets have gotten into trouble when they photoshop images. This is an interesting subject as image manipulation becomes more advanced. (The code on the page linked to has an error which may force you to scroll to the right to see the article.)

Bits of Everything

Made in the Adirondacks: Coming Soon

Denton Publications has a story about an idea to create a logo that can be applied to things made in the Adirondacks.

Rachel Ray Returns to Lake George

She remembers where she came from. Here is a story from the Post Star about Rachel Ray returning home to Lake George for a fundraiser.

Washington County Puts Parcels Up For Sale

Washington County is really making an effort to cut back and raise revenue apart from hitting up the taxpayers. Read the Post Star article here.

Hudson River Dedging to Start this Week

The spot that they’re digging up is very close to the Washington County Building. Channel 13 reports here.

Bits of Everything


The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Take Two

Ever heard that Japanese knotweed or garlic mustard threaten the Adirondacks? Well they do. Read the Adirondack Alamanacks’ article on how the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) was one of 26 projects across New York State to receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s highest honor: the Environmental Quality Award.

This is Wrong: NY State as the Godfather

The State of NY has gone off the deep end with this move. Expect more businesses to leave NY over this one.

Washington County Sales Tax Down

This is not good news for next years Washington County Budget.

Bits of Everything

Adirondack Almanack Celebrates 4th Anniversary

We received this press release from the Adirondack Almanack Blog celebrating 4 years in the blogosphere. If you want to keep current with Adirondack issues, stop and check out the Adirondack Almanack.

Watch Out – Work on Route 149 Slows Things Down

When traveling to Huletts during the week, be aware that there is work going on on Route 149 between the Northway and Fort Ann that will slow you down. There is a flagman and one lane is closed so that traffic both ways has to share a single lane. This work is only on weekdays, so if you’re traveling on a weekend it will be quicker.