Last updated: September 9, 2022
Place
Gansevoort Park
Courtesy of the P. Leonard Collection
Quick Facts
During the final days of the fort’s siege, American loyalists and British engineers dug a siege trench against the fort. It began here and was forced to stop near where Saint Peter's Roman Catholic Church stands today.
With the approach of Continental Soldiers commanded by American General Benedict Arnold the siege was ended. The Americans won a key victory. When combined with American victories in the Hudson and Lake Champlain Valleys, the Americans were able to defeat British General John Burgoyne and his army after the Battles of Saratoga. This series of battles combined are considered the turning point of the American Revolutionary War. Fort Stanwix continued to protect New York from the British in Canada until 1781, when it was finally abandoned.
After the American Revolutionary War, the Oneida Carrying Place remained important for trade and the movement of armies travelling east and west. The portage was replaced by roads, canals, and then railroads. Lynchville (later renamed Rome) was built around then over the site of Fort Stanwix and has enjoyed years of innovation and prosperity because of the commerce that passes through it.
Monuments dedicated to the Siege of 1777, the Erie Canal, and the commander of the fort, exist in this park today. A statue of Fort Schuyler commander Colonel Peter Gansevoort was dedicated by his granddaughter, Mrs. Katherine Gansevoort Lansing, in the late 1800s. Across the parking lot stands the city of Rome former post office. After the new post office was opened, the Rome Historical Society moved into the building.
Today, the Fort Stanwix National Monument administrative offices occupy the second story of this historic building as park property sits adjacent to it.
With the approach of Continental Soldiers commanded by American General Benedict Arnold the siege was ended. The Americans won a key victory. When combined with American victories in the Hudson and Lake Champlain Valleys, the Americans were able to defeat British General John Burgoyne and his army after the Battles of Saratoga. This series of battles combined are considered the turning point of the American Revolutionary War. Fort Stanwix continued to protect New York from the British in Canada until 1781, when it was finally abandoned.
After the American Revolutionary War, the Oneida Carrying Place remained important for trade and the movement of armies travelling east and west. The portage was replaced by roads, canals, and then railroads. Lynchville (later renamed Rome) was built around then over the site of Fort Stanwix and has enjoyed years of innovation and prosperity because of the commerce that passes through it.
Monuments dedicated to the Siege of 1777, the Erie Canal, and the commander of the fort, exist in this park today. A statue of Fort Schuyler commander Colonel Peter Gansevoort was dedicated by his granddaughter, Mrs. Katherine Gansevoort Lansing, in the late 1800s. Across the parking lot stands the city of Rome former post office. After the new post office was opened, the Rome Historical Society moved into the building.
Today, the Fort Stanwix National Monument administrative offices occupy the second story of this historic building as park property sits adjacent to it.
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40 for 40: Make a Connection
2016 is the 40th anniversary of the Fort Stanwix National Monument opening to the public and the park is celebrating by releasing a series of 40 short films about the park's history and its future! Fort Stanwix National Monument has a long and rich history. Where do you fit in?
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 18 seconds