LeRay Mansion
LeRay (pronounced /’leh-ray/) Mansion is a National Register Listed Historic District located in Fort Drum, NY. The LeRay Mansion was originally built as the estate for James LeRay de Chaumont. James LeRay originally came to the North Country in order to regain his family’s fortune. Jacques Donatien LeRay de Chaumont, James 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 name 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 made the journey to 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 full compensation for his