General Nicholas Herkimer (1728–1777), one of the first American-born generation of the Palatine Germans who settled the Mohawk Valley, a leading farmer-trader of the Valley, and hero of the Battle of Oriskany, built Herkimer Home in 1764. As Brigadier General of the Tryon County Militia, Herkimer commanded the American forces who marched to the relief of Fort Stanwix (Rome) when the fort was besieged during the three-pronged British invasion of New York in 1777. At Oriskany, August 6, 1777, British regulars and Indians ambushed Herkimer’s troops. He was wounded and died ten days later, and he lies buried beside the homestead.