WIP · World in Pocket

LeRay Mansion

Le Ray, United States of America

LeRay Mansion

LeRay (pronounced /’leh-ray/) Mansion is a National Register Listed Historic District located in Fort Drum, New York. The LeRay Mansion was originally built as the estate for James LeRay de Chaumont. LeRay originally came in order to regain his family's fortune. Jacques Donatien LeRay de Chaumont, J

ames LeRay's father, was a French entrepreneur who loaned a considerable portion of his fortune to support the American Revolution. Jacques LeRay was the single largest financial supporter of the American Revolution from France, outspending the French government. This earned Jacques LeRay the title "French Father of the American Revolution." Jacques LeRay was a gracious host to members of the new Continental government at his estate in Passy, France. These guests included John Adams, Silas Deane, Arthur Lee, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, the latter of whom taught English to James LeRay. Jacques never visited America, but by the time the American Revolutionary War ended, Jacques had nearly bled his fortune dry in his support. Instead of making the journey himself, Jacques sent his son, James, on his behalf to collect their fortune. Despite years of effort, James was never able to secure...

Listen to the audio guide for LeRay Mansion Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off

Nearby