This Cache is placed as part of the New York State Park Saratoga/Capital District Regional Geocache Challenge. There are 52 geocaches hidden within 16 state parks and historic sites in this parks region, and geocachers finding 35 or more will be eligible to enter their names in a drawing for valuable prizes. The first 75 people to find 35 or more caches will receive a special geocache challenge coin. If you are interested in taking up the challenge, you can pick up a geocache passport at any of the participating parks and sites or download it at www.nysparks.com
This cache contains a unique stamp which must stay with the cache. Use this stamp to stamp your passport. This stamp is NOT a trade item. Some of the items in the cache are park souvenirs and do not need to be replaced with a trade item
Crailo, a Van Rensselaer Manor home, was built in 1707. Much of the foundation of the house is original to that date, though the back addition, which now gives the house an “L” shape, was erected around 1760. While the Van Rensselaers used Crailo as a family home, their leadership during conflict and the 1500 acres associated with their estate—a little south and across the river from Albany--made the place a good headquarters for soldiers. It became a training and muster grounds, central stores for supplies heading north and west, and at times, a military hospital. You may read about this on the exterior interpretive panel in Crailo’s back yard. Please also enjoy the gardens while you are at the site.
Because Crailo’s history spans over 300 years, there is much more to learn about this fascinating historic site. Today, the interior of the building boasts a modern exhibit on the Dutch experience in New Netherland. We invite you to take a tour of the mansion for a small fee during open hours (Wednesday – Sunday 11am – 5pm, last tour at 4pm). Although the site does not need to be open for you to reach the cache, we recommend you stop during daylight hours.
Hint: Clues: Two clues have been given.