Date: May 9, 2009
Contact: Bill Sawyer, 315-337-7730
Contact: Kelly Cardwell
Rome, NY — From Saturday, May 2, to Sunday, May 3, 2009, the British 24th Regiment of Foot reenactment unit will visit Fort Stanwix National Monument. This encampment is an excellent opportunity for families to discover what life was like for British soldiers and families that followed the army. The encampment will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, and from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2009.
This regiment took part in the 1777 Campaign as part of General John Burgoyne’s army, which was eventually defeated at the Battles of Saratoga in the fall of 1777. While the 24th Regiment never came against Fort Stanwix, their uniforms and equipment are representative of the clothing and equipment used by the British army that besieged the fort in August of 1777. It was in part the successful defense of Fort Stanwix that led to General Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga.
Members of the 24th Regiment will be engaged in unit training, drill and musket firing throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. They will also introduce the public to some popular games the soldiers played and invite visitors to take part in these activities.
Come out and join us at Fort Stanwix National Monument for a fun filled weekend, exploring our past.
Fort Stanwix National Monument is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the park is free. Activities are ongoing unless noted. For more information about upcoming events please call the park at 315- 338-7730. Please visit the park’s web page at www.nps.gov/fost for additional information about the park and up-to-date news about park events.
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