Sir John decided to remain loyal to the British, and was branded a traitor. He and his family fled to Canada, forfeiting their land and homes. There he continued to influence many of the Iroquois, supporting and financing their incursions and battles against the Americans as allies of the British. Only the Oneida tribe switched over to the Americans, with partial success as scouts and warriors.
Today, Sir William Johnson's second home, Fort Johnson, can be visited and enjoyed by anyone who wishes. Built in 1749 in the Georgian style of architecture, it is joined on the site by grist mill and outbuildings, all fortified by military structures and furnished by both English and locally made pieces. A later house, Johnson Hall, is nearby. One can still see a hatchet's mark on the stairway bannister! The historical site is managed by the Montgomery (N.Y.) County Historical Society. See Fort Johnson National Historic Site.
Sir William Johnson has always been a favorite hero of New York State's schoolchildren. His willingness to venture to a new world, create a sizable fortune, endear himself to the formidable Iroquois people, fight brilliantly against the French, administer a complicated government agency with little support from London, and his strong, just character, combine to make him an outstanding example of the Age of Enlightenment.
Important Links:
Sir William Johnson, Master Mason - The origins of the Mount Vernon Lodge of Masons in Albany, NY are traced back to Sir William Johnson.
The Role of Sir William Johnson In the Colonial Development of America and His Involvement in the Expansionist Policies of the British Imperial Government, by Paul Redmond Drew; a scholarly essay which goes much more deeply into the political environment within which Johnson carried out his decisions and actions as Indian Superintendent. Excellent resource.
