Steeped in history and legends, New York is filled with stories of the forgotten, eerie and the weird that influence us everyday. Baron Von Steuben was the Drillmaster for the Continental Army and in return for his efforts he was granted a large tract of land 20 miles north of Utica. His plans for the property were far different from what can be seen today but the secrets still remain for those who know where to look. 

Lite 98.7's Eric Meier has teamed up with Folklorist P.W. Creighton to explore the haunts and legends of New York. Through their travels into the dark and often overlooked spaces they will bring these historic sites back to life and make some unexpected discoveries along the way.

In this episode Phil guides the explorers to the Steuben Memorial 20 miles north of Utica to uncover Major General Friedrich Wilhelm Steuben's history with the Freemasons and the hidden secrets of the memorial that was built to commemorate him.

 

Major General Friedrich Wilhelm Steuben was known as the Drillmaster of the Continental Army, his knowledge of military discipline helped George Washington win the Revolution. In thanks for his service Baron Steuben was granted land from multiple states but after a long struggle with Congress he finally settled on the largest tract, 16,000 acres in New York, just 20 miles north of Utica. The Baron Du Steuben had a grand plan for the estate including a village with his home at the center. Embracing the "Enlightenment" and the teachings of the Freemasons, Steuben's plans incorporated many aspects of Masonic iconography that can still be observed today.

According to Nancy Demyttenaere, the Regional Historic Preservation Supervisor for Oriskany Battlefield and the Steuben Memorial, the intended estate for Baron Du Steuben envisioned a large settlement with his house at the center. The central home for the Baron would have been very similar to the Neo-Classical design for the summer palace for Frederick The Great. The roadways and buildings were to be arranged in a similar layout as Washington D.C. and Brugge, Belgium with hidden Freemason Iconography.

Watch the Complete Haunts and Legends Season 1 via this Youtube Playlist

Watch the complete first season of the Haunts and Legends of New York including our explorations of the Lost Village of Delta near Rome, Utica's Secret Underground Waterways and the Hidden Vault at Bagg Commemorative Park in Utica.

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