New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Knox's Headquarters

Knox’s Headquarters Celebrating Washington’s Birthday

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Knox’s HeadquartersOver 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

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Drunken revelers toasting trees whose apples they used to make hard cider

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

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Knoxs Headquarters Halloween eventOver 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

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The 2nd Continental Artillery provided by Knoxs HeadquartersThe 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

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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

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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

Halloween at Knox’s Headquarters

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Knoxs Headquarters Halloween eventKnox’s Headquarters is set to host a 45-minute scary theatrical presentation on Saturday, October 20th, from 7 to 10:45 pm.

In the spirit of 18th century gothic novels, costumed interpreters from the New Windsor Cantonment and Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Sites will perform a haunting tale. The grounds of the historic Knox’s Headquarters, the 1754 Ellison home, will serve as a stage for this presentation about ghosts and strange happenings. Performances every 45 minutes and this play is recommended for visitors 12 years and older. [Read more…] about Halloween at Knox’s Headquarters

A Century of Knox’s Headquarters Preservation

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Knox HeadquartersA celebration of a century of preservation at Knox’s Headquarters in Vails Gate has been set for August 4th.

Preservation focused house tours, badminton and croquet, and tours of the Jane Colden Native Plant Sanctuary will be held from 5 to 8 pm. A showing of the 1949 romantic comedy In The Good Old Summertime will be held on the lawn at 8:15 pm. [Read more…] about A Century of Knox’s Headquarters Preservation

Artillery Event at Knox’s Headquarters

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Knox’s HeadquartersKnox’s Headquarters in Vails Gate, NY will host an event focusing on 18th century artillery, on Saturday, July 21st, from noon until 4 pm.

Visitors can learn about the use of 18th century artillery and how the Americans at New Windsor, prepared some of the guns, howitzers and mortars that were used at the siege at Yorktown, Virginia. The gun will be fired every half-hour. [Read more…] about Artillery Event at Knox’s Headquarters