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“The Last Encampment of the Northern Continental Army” Sunday March 4, 2012: 2:00 PM

“The Last Encampment of the Northern Continental Army”

Sunday March 4, 2012: 2:00 PM

Surrounded now on all sides by housing developments and in certain areas completely built over, the Continental Army's New Windsor 1782-83 winter encampment was during its short existence the second largest city in New York State. Soldiers fashioned approximately 600 buildings out of the ancient forest arraying them in tidy rows that replicated battlefield formations. Though a major base, its effects upon the locale was fleeting. The Continentals moved on in June 1783 leaving only one wife and her two young children, abandoned by her ne’er do well husband, and the quartermasters responsible for disposing of the encampment. Surplus army equipment and nearly all of the log structures were sold at public auction. Following the Revolutionary War, farmers cleared the land and made stonewalls out of the collapsed huts fieldstone chimneys. By the mid-19th century, except to the most discerning eye, all traces of the Continental Army had vanished.

On Sunday March 4, at 2:00 PM, learn about the historical significance of the New Windsor Cantonment and the struggle to preserve and interpret the final winter encampment of the northern Continental Army. At the time, the soldiers at New Windsor and the few thousand more in the vicinity of West Point were the only force standing between the people of New York and New England and 12,000 British troops in New York City, just 60 miles away.

New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site is located on Route 300, 374 Temple Hill Road, in New Windsor, NY, just three miles south of the intersection of I-87 and I-84. National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is also on-site

For more information please call (845) 561-1765 ext. 22.


Drawing of the Massachusetts Line at the New Windsor Cantonment after the sketch done by Private William Tarbell of the 7th Massachusetts Regiment. Caldwell and Garrison Civil Engineers Newburgh, New York. Collection of Washington Headquarters State Historic Site. The original drawing of the Massachusetts Line at New Windsor by William Tarbell is currently on loan to New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site from Dr. Edward Willett, a descendant. This version captures the details that had faded over the years.

New Windsor Cantonment: Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend. April 16-17, 2011

Reenactors at New Windsor Cantonment     Palisades Interstate Park Commission New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site  Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend Saturday April 16, 10 AM – 4:30 PM and  Sunday April 17, 1 – 4:00 PM  New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site hosts a weekend of Revolutionary War military firing demonstrations and period activities on Saturday April 16, 10 AM – 4:30 PM and Sunday April 17, 1 – 4:00 PM presented by the Brigade of the American Revolution, an international organization dedicated to recreating the life and times of the common soldier of the War for Independence, 1775-1783.  A battle demonstration takes place at 2:00 PM each day with colorfully uniformed soldiers firing muskets and maneuvering to the music of fifes and drums. The soldiers will also set up tents, prepare cooking fires and demonstrate other aspects of 18th century life. 3:00 PM, Saturday April 16: historian Norm Fuss will present a talk on The Battle of Great Bridge: the South’s Bunker Hill.  3:00 PM, Sunday April 17: historian Barnet Schecter will give a talk on his latest book George Washington’s America: A Biography through His Maps. After the presentation he will have copies of his book for sale.  10:15 AM, Sunday April 17: Norm Fuss will give a presentation on Surviving Military Uniforms in North American Repositories.  12:30 PM, Sunday April 17: Eric Schnitzer, Park Historian, Saratoga National Historical Park, will present A primer to using artwork for living history clothing documentation.  Members of the Brigade of the American Revolution use this weekend to teach the latest knowledge in recreating life from that era. The presentations are an enjoyable experience, something to be long remembered. Through lectures and demonstrations, a wide variety of 18th century period life is revealed.  New Windsor Cantonment site staff is present to perform blacksmithing, woodworking and military medicine Saturday April 16, 10 AM – 4:30 PM and Sunday April 17, 1 – 4:00 PM.  For more information please call (845) 561-1765 ext. 22. Admission is FREE. The New Windsor Cantonment and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor are located at 374 Temple Hill Road, Route 300, in the Town of New Windsor, four miles east of Stewart Airport and three miles from the intersection of I-87 and I-84 in Newburgh, New York.

 

New Windsor Cantonment & Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Sites: 2011 Special Event Schedule

Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site     Palisades Interstate Park Commission New Windsor Cantonment and Knox's Headquarters State Historic Sites  2011 Special Events Schedule Saturday April 16 & Sunday April 17L: Brigade of the American Revolution Encampment at the New Windsor Cantonment. Revolutionary War historians, dressed in period clothing, perform military drill and battle demonstrations at 2:00 PM each day. Visit their encampments and learn about life during the Revolution. The program runs Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Sunday May 15: New York State Heritage Weekend, Resurrecting the Revolutionary War at the New Windsor Cantonment. At 2:00 PM see a special presentation on two soldiers, Oliver Cromwell, an African-American soldier in the New Jersey Line and Henry Kneeland, a Hessian deserter with the Massachusetts troops.  Saturday May 28: Knox’s Headquarters Opens for the Season. The headquarters of Generals Nathanael Greene, Henry Knox and Horatio Gates opens for another season of tours and special events. Please call (845) 561-1765 ext. 22 for tour times.  Monday May 30: Honor our Nation’s Fallen Soldiers at the New Windsor Cantonment. At 2:00 PM, Continental Army soldiers will perform an 18th century graveside mourning ceremony. Following the ceremony, balladeer Linda Russell will perform the songs that inspired and comforted the American people when our nation was at war.  Sunday June 19: Children’s Day at the New Windsor Cantonment. A fun-filled day of family entertainment on Father’s Day with the Two by Two petting zoo and a host of 18th century games. The program runs 1:00 to 4:00 PM.  Monday July 4: Independence Day at New Windsor Cantonment & Knox’s Headquarters. Celebrate the 4th at two sites hallowed by the soldiers who won our independence. At Knox’s Headquarters see a small cannon fired at 1:30 & 3:15 PM. At the New Windsor Cantonment see military firing demonstrations at 2:00 PM. Sunday July 24: Henry Knox’s Birthday at Knox’s Headquarters. From 7:00 to 9:00 PM watch the officers and soldiers of the 2nd and 3rd Continental Artillery Regiments completing the preparations for the move to Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781. The performers will interact with visitors as if they from 1781. Saturday August 14, A Revolutionary Camp at Night at the historic huts. From 7:00 to 9:00 PM, at the huts, owned by The Town of New Windsor, on the west side of Route 300 and on the north side of Causeway Road, experience by candlelight, military drills, musket firings and other period activities done at the encampment at New Windsor.  Saturday October 29, “It was dark back then” at Knox’s Headquarters. From 8: 00 – 9:00 PM tour the grounds by night if you dare. Sunday November 13, “Your Excellency’s Dog kennel at Mount Vernon, is as good a Quarter as that I am now in” at the Edmonston House. From 2:00 to 3:00 PM visit this military headquarters and meet General Horatio Gates, who was none too happy about being billeted in this house.  Friday December 16 & Saturday, December 17, Christmas with the Ellisons at Knox’s Headquarters. From 5:00 to 8:00 PM tour by candlelight the elegant 1754 Ellison mansion decorated for the season in 18th century fashion. Enjoy period music throughout the evening. The house will have costumed staff in each room.  Monday, December 26, Tuesday, December 27 & Wednesday, December 28: Open House at Knox’s Headquarters. The Ellison mansion is open for tours at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM each day. Tour the elegant 1754 historic house decorated for the season in 18th century fashion. New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site is located with the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor at 374 Temple Hill Road (Route 300) in New Windsor, NY, just three miles south of the intersection of I-87 and I-84. The site is closed holidays except Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. Costumed living history demonstrations mid-April – end of October Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM & Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 PM. The visitor center is open except for the above mentioned holidays year round Monday – Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 PM. For more information, please call (845) 561-1765 Knox’s Headquarters is located at 289 Forge Hill Road at the intersection of Forge Hill Road and Blooming Grove Turnpike (Route 94) in Vails Gate, NY, just one mile from the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and New Windsor Cantonment.The site is open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day Wednesday to Saturday with tours starting promptly at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM & Sunday 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM. Tour, school and camp groups are welcome by advance reservation only. Dates, times, hours of operations and admission fees are subject to change. For more information, please call (845) 561-1765 ext. 22

 

National Purple Heart Hall of Honor: 2011 Programs and Events

Palisades Interstate Park Commission The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor 2011 Programs and Events   The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor commemorates the extraordinary sacrifices of America's servicemen and servicewomen who were killed or wounded in combat. The mission of the Hall of Honor is to collect and preserve the stories of Purple Heart recipients from all branches of service and across generations to ensure that all recipients are represented. Below are events and programs that will occur at the Hall of Honor in 2011. Sunday April 24, 2011: CLOSED.  The Hall of Honor will be closed on Easter. Saturday May 14, 2011: "Were You Ever In A War?" Have you ever wondered if your family had a place in American military history? Find out how you can research your family military history. Learn where to look, and what to look for, how to preserve the objects and memories of your own family participation in American military history. The program includes workshops on identifying the paperwork needed for this research, where to obtain the paperwork, and how to conserve the original documents that you might have in the attic. From 1:00 p.m. - 4 p.m. there will also be the opportunity for Purple Heart recipients to sit for a short interview to tell about their experiences. Reservations for the interview are encouraged. Monday May 30, 2011 at 1 PM: Memorial Day  Reflections on those who did not come home, by veterans. Saturday July 2, 2011 at 11 AM: Soldiers Across Time This program for children provides kids with an understanding of the range of conflicts for which the Purple Heart has been awarded. Uniforms and equipment from the Civil War through today are presented. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 845-561-1765. This event will be repeated throughout the summer.  Monday July 4, 2011: The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will be OPEN.  Saturday July 9, 2011: Orange County Day Orange County residents visiting the Hall of Honor will receive a 10% discount in the Gift Shop. Proof of residency is required. Saturday July 16, 2011: Soldiers Across Time See July 2nd for details. Sunday, August 7, 2011: Purple Heart Appreciation Day Watch for details. Saturday August 20, 2011: Soldiers Across Time See July 2nd for details. Monday September 5, 2011: Labor Day The Hall of Honor will be CLOSED in observance of Labor Day.  Monday October 10, 2011: Columbus Day The Hall of Honor will be CLOSED in observance of Columbus Day. Saturday November 12, 2010 at 2 PM: Sharing Our Stories, Preserving Our History Veterans will share their recollections of their service and there will be musical selections in honor of our veterans. This year we will be commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Limited seating. Reservations recommended. Please call 845-561-1765. Thursday November 24, 2011: Thanksgiving The Hall of Honor will be CLOSED in observance of Thanksgiving.  Sunday November 27, 2011 at 2:00 PM: The CHOSIN Encore presentation of this powerful documentary on the 61st anniversary of the beginning of the campaign. Reservations are strongly advised as seating is limited. Please call 845-561-1765. Wednesday December 7, 2011 at 12:55 PM: 70th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor Program on the attack at Pearl Harbor, beginning at the time when the first bombs fell. Featured on the Roll of Honor will be recipients who were killed our wounded on December 7th 1941. Sunday December 25th and 26th, 2011 The Hall of Honor will be CLOSED for Christmas holiday.  Sunday January 1, 2012 The Hall of Honor will be CLOSED in observance of New Year's Day For information on any of these programs or directions, please call: 845-561-1765. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Sites are located at 374 Temple Hill Road (Route 300) in the town of New Windsor, three miles south of I-84 exit 7B and I-87 exit 17. Parking, gift shop, and picnic grounds are located on site. Museum exhibits are open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Saturday and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.

 

The National Purple Heart Hall Of Honor Presents "Chosin" Film & Screening & Discussion Saturday March 5th 2011

 

Palisades Interstate Park Commission

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor

"CHOSIN": Film Screening and Discussion with the Producers

Saturday, March 5, 2011
2 PM

As part of a continuing commemoration of the Korean War, the Hall of Honor on Saturday, March 5th at 2 PM is proud to present a screening of CHOSIN, a documentary about the epic struggle that took place over 60 years ago. In the winter of 1950, 15,000 U.S. troops were surrounded and trapped by 120,000 Chinese soldiers in the frozen mountains of North Korea. Refusing surrender, the men fought 78 miles to freedom and saved the lives of 98,000 civilian refugees. After 60 years of silence, survivors of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign take viewers on an emotional and heart-pounding journey through one of the most savage battles in American history. Following the screening, the producers of the film will have a discussion and question and answer session with the audience. Producer/Director Brian Iglesias and Producer Anton Sattler are both Marine Combat veterans. They have made this film to preserve the history and legacy of the men who survived this campaign.

Admission is FREE. 
Seating is limited and reservations are suggested. Please call 845-561-1765.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Sites are located at 374 Temple Hill Road (Route 300) in the town of New Windsor, three miles south of I-84 exit 7B and I-87 exit 17. Parking, gift shop, and picnic grounds are located on site. Museum exhibits are open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Saturday and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.

New Windsor Cantonment Washington"s Birthday Celebration 2011 Sunday February 20th

Continental Soldiers Michael McGurty, in front and  Grant Miller, in back, drill in the snow     Palisades Interstate Park Commission New Windsor Cantonment  Washington's Birthday Celebration Sunday February 20 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and  Monday February 21, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Following the capture of British forces by the allied armies of France and America, at Yorktown, Virginia, in the fall of 1781, the northern Continental Army returned to the Hudson Highlands. The destruction of the principal British field army in the south broke England’s will to continue the struggle. In the fall of 1782, near New Windsor, 7,500 Continental Army soldiers built a city of 600 log huts near New Windsor. Along with some of their family members, they braved the winter and kept a wary eye on the 12,000 British troops in New York City, just 60 miles away. During the winter of 1782-83, the soldiers of the northern Continental Army anxiously waited, in New Windsor, for news of the peace treaty. Though peace might be announced, Washington still ordered his soldiers to train for battle.  On Sunday February 20 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and Monday February 21, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, on Presidents’ weekend, soldiers will bring to life the Continental Army’s final winter encampment with musket and cannon firings, blacksmithing, medical demonstrations and other aspects of daily life. On Sunday at 1:30 & 3:30 PM and Monday at 11:00 AM, 1:30 & 3:30 PM see muskets and cannon fired. Following these firings, children enlist in the Continental Army, drill with wooden muskets and get paid in Continental currency for their service. New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor are located on Route 300, 374 Temple Hill Road, in New Windsor, NY, just three miles south of the intersection of I-87 and I-84. For more information please call (845) 561-1765 ext. 22.