Date: August 10, 2017
Contact: William Sawyer, 315-338-7730
Rome, NY – On Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20, Fort Stanwix National Monument will host the annual American Revolution War Weekend. This year marks the 240th anniversary of the British siege of the fort, and visitors will have the opportunity to interact with living historians portraying the Continentals, American Loyalists, British, and Natives that took part in the siege. Events will include military drills, weapons demonstrations, and daily fort life activities. Visitors are invited to take part in family friendly activities, including the colonial water bucket challenge and musket and cannon drills to help defend the fort. Children will have the opportunity to play 18th Century games and try other hands on activities.
Featured during this year’s encampment is Canadian historian and author Gavin K. Watt. Mr. Watt will present a program about the British siege of the fort on Saturday at 1:00 pm in the fort. In addition, Mr. Watt will be available throughout the day for informal talks, Q & A sessions and book signings. Mr. Watt is the author of 11 books about Loyalist military history during the American Revolution including “Rebellion in the Mohawk Valley,” which relates the story of the siege and the associated Battle of Oriskany. His latest book, “Fire and Desolation” will be available in the park’s bookstore, along with several more of his titles.
“We welcome all to share in the stories of the little fort that never surrendered and its unlikely defenders,” said Park Ranger William Sawyer. During the American Revolution, the fort was known as “Fort Schuyler” to the Americans and helped to set-up a victory for the Continental Army at Saratoga. “Without the successful defense of the fort,” said Sawyer,” the victories at Saratoga, and the American alliance with France may never have come about.”
The next event taking place at Fort Stanwix National Monument is the Solar Eclipse Meet-up on Monday, August 21. All park events are free.
Fort Stanwix National Monument is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the park is free. For more information about upcoming events, please call the park at (315) 338-7730. Visit the park’s web page at www.nps.gov/fost, or follow Fort Stanwix on Facebook or Instagram, for additional information about the park and up-to-date news about park events. Fort Stanwix is one of over 400 parks in the National Park System. To learn more about national parks, visit www.nps.gov.
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