The long barrel artillery piece or gun was a dominating presence on most of the battlefields of the American Revolution. Firing solid iron balls out to distances of 1,000 yards and deadly shotgun blasts of caseshot, small iron balls in a tin canister up to 300 yards, the gun devastated enemy formations. The larger versions battered down walls and smashed holes in great warships. [Read more…] about Knox’s Headquarters Artillery Day July 23rd
Knox's Headquarters
Independence Day at New Windsor Cantonment & Knox’s Headquarters
The New Windsor Cantonment and Knox’s Headquarters in Orange County, New York, will host a day of Revolutionary War-era activities on Monday, July 4th. [Read more…] about Independence Day at New Windsor Cantonment & Knox’s Headquarters
Washington’s Birthday at Knox’s Headquarters
Under the direction of local stonemason William Bull, “Mount Ellison,” the genteel combination English and Dutch-style Knox’s Headquarters was built for prominent local merchant Thomas Ellison by an unknown number of skilled artisans and laborers between April and September 1754. [Read more…] about Washington’s Birthday at Knox’s Headquarters
Celebrating Christmas at Knox’s Headquarters
Knox’s Headquarters in Vails Gate has announced a month-long Christmas celebration on the grounds of the Historic Site. [Read more…] about Celebrating Christmas at Knox’s Headquarters
Knox’s Headquarters Celebrating Washington’s Birthday
Over the winter of 1780-81 at this headquarters, General Henry Knox organized the artillery for the projected attack on New York City. Soldiers, at the nearby encampment, repaired and trained on the guns, howitzers and mortars.
“Mount Ellison,” the genteel combination English and Dutch-style stone house was built for prominent local merchant Thomas Ellison by an unknown number of skilled artisans and laborers between April and September 1754 under the direction of stonemason William Bull. [Read more…] about Knox’s Headquarters Celebrating Washington’s Birthday
Wassailing at Knox’s Headquarters December 21st
Christmas was a time for visiting family and friends in the 18th century. Enslaved people were often permitted to travel as well. But it was also an opportunity for roving bands of unemployed youths and workers to menace households for food and drink.
George Washington allowed his gardener enough money to get rip-roaring drunk for four days of the Christmas holiday and additional funds for more drinking on two other occasions during the year. It was customary for employers to release their workers to enjoy days of leisure time, often spent in a state of intoxication. [Read more…] about Wassailing at Knox’s Headquarters December 21st
Scary Theatrics at Knox’s Headquarters
Over the years many staff members at Knox’s Headquarters have claimed to have seen spectral visages. Whether it was a passing glimpse out of the corner of their eye or just an uncomfortable lump in their stomach, they could not help, but feel, at times, that someone was watching them. Practical thinkers dismissed these claims as the products of vivid imaginations or illogical fear.
In the spirit of 18th century gothic novels, the night-cloaked grounds of the historic Knox’s Headquarters, the 1754 Ellison home, will serve as a stage for a macabre presentation about ghosts and strange happenings. [Read more…] about Scary Theatrics at Knox’s Headquarters
Rev War Artillery Demonstrations at Knox’s HQ
The stone 1754 John Ellison House was the headquarters for Generals Nathanael Greene, Henry Knox and Horatio Gates during the American Revolution. General Knox, during his 1780-81 period of residence, brought along 300 soldiers of the 2nd & 3rd Continental Artillery regiments, who camped a mile away. [Read more…] about Rev War Artillery Demonstrations at Knox’s HQ
4th of July at New Windsor Cantonment, Knox’s HQ
The New Windsor Cantonment and Knox’s Headquarters is set to present a day of Revolutionary War activities on Thursday, July 4th.
The day will begin at 1 pm with military drill demonstrations and a cannon firing, followed by a children’s wooden musket drill. Attendees will be able to tour the 1754 Ellison House, the military command post for three generals. [Read more…] about 4th of July at New Windsor Cantonment, Knox’s HQ
Washington’s Birthday at Knox’s Headquarters
Knox’s Headquarters in Vails Gate has announced a celebration of George Washington’s birthday on Sunday, February 17th.
Tours of the headquarters will be held at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm, with a small cannon firing at 11:45 am, 1:45 pm, and 3:45 pm. [Read more…] about Washington’s Birthday at Knox’s Headquarters