The New Windsor Cantonment and Knox’s Headquarters will present a day of Revolutionary War activities on July 4, 2017. At New Windsor Cantonment see a military drill and cannon firing at 2 pm, followed by a children’s wooden musket drill.
At Knox’s Headquarters tour the 1754 Ellison House, the military command post for three generals.
New Windsor Cantonment is open Tuesday July 4 10 am to 5 pm. At Knox’s Headquarters see a small cannon fired at 1 and 4 pm. Tours of the house at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm.
At 3 pm, New Windsor Cantonment staff has invited visitors to help read the Declaration of Independence. Following the reading, the 7th Massachusetts Regiment will perform a military drill. Throughout the day authentically dressed soldiers and civilians will share stories of life from that exciting time. Knox’s Headquarters, the Ellison House, honors the site’s namesake General Henry Knox, Washington’s chief of artillery, with the firing of a 4 1/2 ” bronze Coehorn mortar at 1 pm and 4 pm. This mortar, designed to be carried by two men, fired a grenade size exploding ball. John and Catherine Ellison were gracious hosts to three Continental Army generals at different times during the Revolutionary War.
In addition to the special programs and activities, the New Windsor Cantonment Visitor Center is open. This building features the history of the New Windsor Cantonment; Behind Every Great Man: The Continental Army in Winter, 1782-83, Revolutionary War artifacts and the exhibit The Last Argument of Kings, Revolutionary War Artillery. A picnic grove is available and there is plenty of free parking. Just one mile from the Cantonment is Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site. Elegantly furnished by John and Catherine Ellison, the 1754 mansion served as headquarters for Revolutionary War Generals Nathanael Greene, Henry Knox, and Horatio Gates. Also be sure to visit Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh, a short drive from the New Windsor Cantonment.
Admission is free. For more information call New Windsor Cantonment at (845) 561-1765 ext. 22. New Windsor Cantonment is co-located with the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor on Route 300 (374 Temple Hill Road) in the Town of New Windsor, three miles east of Stewart Airport. It is three miles from the intersection of I-87 and I-84 in Newburgh, New York. Knox’s Headquarters is located, a mile away from the New Windsor Cantonment, at the intersection of Route 94 and Forge Hill Road in Vails Gate.
Photo: Continental Army Soldiers from the 7th Massachusetts Regiment Drill on the Grand Parade at the New Windsor Cantonment, provided.
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