Fort Montgomery was the scene of a fierce Revolutionary War battle for control of the Hudson River. Visitors today can tour the remains of the 14-acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the magnificent Hudson. On October 6th, 1777, British, Loyalist and Hessian forces attacked Fort Montgomery and nearby Fort Clinton.
The defending Americans, outnumbered 3 to 1, fought desperately until driven out of their forts at the points of the enemy bayonets. More than half of the Patriot forces were killed, wounded or captured.
Visitors can learn about this important military post at the site’s museum, which showcases original artifacts and weapons, large scale models of the fort and the attack, highly detailed mannequins frozen in poses of battle, and an action packed fifteen minute movie of the 1777 assault. Archeologists have revealed many of Fort Montgomery’s remains, including stone foundations of barracks, the gunpowder magazine and eroded redoubt walls. There is a view of the Hudson River from the Grand Battery, where reproduction cannon stand guard and are occasionally fired by the fort’s staff.
Fort Montgomery will host a “Military Arts Day,” on Saturday, August 27th, from 10 am to 4 pm. This program will feature cannon firings by the members of the recreated Lamb’s Artillery and Mott’s Artillery companies, while the troops of the 5th New York Regiment conduct infantry drill and construct defensive works. Demonstrations of the arts of cartography, calligraphy and water coloring will take place throughout the day. At 2 pm, site staff will perform the music that was played to regulate the soldiers’ day. An artillery demonstration will immediately follow.
Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is located at 690 Route 9W, in Fort Montgomery, Orange County, NY. For more information, click here.
Photo of Fort Montgomery cannon provided.
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