Learn more about this historic battlefield
There are two opportunities coming up to learn about how one of the most dramatic battles of the American Revolution happened right here in the Hudson Valley.
Stop by the Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, in the beautiful Hudson Highlands on either September 28 or October 6 for interesting programs about America’s history.
On October 6, 1777 an invading British Army assaulted Fort Montgomery and nearby Fort Clinton. Outnumbered three-to-one, the defending Continental soldiers and militia held out as long as they could until at last the forts were overrun, the Continental ships burned by their own crews to prevent capture, and the Great Chain removed. Over half of the garrison was captured or killed.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, take a unique, extended tour of Fort Montgomery. Drawing mainly on first hand accounts and archeological data, the event will bring to life the attack on Fort Montgomery, using the words of the soldiers who were there and what they left behind. The program will include rarely visited spots of the battlefield, and conclude with a musket firing. Call 446-2134 to register, or email peter.cutul@parks.ny.gov.
Then, on Saturday, Oct. 5, Reenactors will commemorate the 241st anniversary of this bloody battle. Reenactors from local reenactment units will be here manning the fort, representing the troops that defended the works in 1777. There will be cannon firings, military drill, living history demonstrations and children’s activities throughout the day. There will be no battle reenactment this year, but there may be a military tactical.
The events of the day include:
10 a.m.: Camp opens. Living history demonstrations, military activities and children’s games throughout the day.
11 a.m.: Military drill behind the museum
1 p.m.: Artillery firing at the Grand Battery
3 p.m.: Military drill behind the museum
4 p.m.: Camps Close
The Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is located at 690 Rt. 9W in Fort Montgomery.
Parking is available off-site at a lot located 1/8th mile north on Rt. 9W. Twin Forts Day is proudly presented by the Fort Montgomery Battle Site Association, the 5th New York Regiment, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
