Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler began construction on his Georgian-style estate near Albany, New York in 1761.

Prior to that time, due to the outbreak of the French and Indian War, it was considered inadvisable to build outside of the City of Albany.

The mansion was built on eighty acres (32 ha) of land, located approximately one-half mile (0.80 km) from the city.

These activities led to the infiltration of the mansion and failed attempt to kidnap Schuyler on the evening of August 7, 1781.

Additionally, the Schuyler family was well known for their hospitality, and the mansion hosted guests such as George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, the Marquis de Chastellux, and James Madison.

The family also hosted the British general during the Battle of Saratoga, John Burgoyne, who stayed at the mansion as a "prisoner guest" in 1777.

After Philip Schuyler's death in 1804, the land comprised over one hundred building lots which were divided among his six living children.

During Bryan's approximately 29 years living in the mansion, he made a number of changes to the house, including the addition of a vestibule, constructed by local architect, Philip Hooker, which still exists today.

The Tracey family were responsible for the removal of any remaining outbuildings that had existed on the property during Philip Schuyler's time.

After over three years of restoration, Schuyler Mansion was opened to the public as a state historic site on October 17, 1917, the 140th anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga.

A wooden balustrade with Chinese fret panels and posts topped by urns surrounds the roof directly above the cornice.

The deep brick walls permit the use on every window, of inside or wainscot shutters which fold against the jambs.