The Old Guard House, also known as the Spy House or the Du Mond House, was built prior to 1685, making it the oldest house in the historic district and possibly the state. The home played a significant role in an episode of military intrigue during the American Revolution. Lieutenant Daniel Taylor, an officer of the British Army, was caught carrying a message between British Generals Henry Clinton and John Burgoyne. Lt. Taylor was arrested as a British spy, convicted in court of spying and held in the basement of the Du Mond House as a prisoner. He was hung on October 18, 1777 from a nearby tree. American soldiers encamped in the area were paraded by the body as a warning to any potential British sympathizers. 

The two photographs of the Old Guard House in Hurley, New York are separated by 54 years. The vintage postcard titled the “Old Guard House, Main Street, Hurley, NY” was published by George C. Kent. A handwritten note on the reverse side notes that a couple visited the house as part of Hurley’s annual Stone House Day on July 11, 1959. My photograph was taken the spring of 2013.

Old Guard House, Main Street, Hurley, NYReplica postcard from circa 1959 of the Old Guard House in Hurley, New York. The postcard was published by George C. Kent.

Inscription on the back reads "United States Historical Building No. 4-302 used as guard house during Revolutionary War. Lieutenant Daniel Taylor, British spy, was held in this house and hanged in an orchard across the street."

Old Guard House, Hurley, NYThe Old Guard House, also known as the Spy House or the Du Mond House, is located on Main Street in the historic hamlet of Hurley, New York. The house was built prior to 1685, making it the oldest house in the Hurley historic district. The house has been used as a residence, a pub, an ice cream parlor, a post office and a general store.

The Old Guard House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of Hurley Historic District. It was described as “1 1/2-story stone house, with the stones extending into the gables, which are of notably steep pitch. The central brick chimney suggests the building may have been added to at an early date. The main block exhibits considerable integrity, with the only likely additions [being] the scalloped bargeboard and small portico. However, a modern 1-story stone post office has been attached at the northeast corner.”