There are three events for local history buffs planned at the Fort Montgomery State Historic Site (located at 690 Rt. 9W, Fort Montgomery) in the month ahead.
First is an evening lecture called ‘What’s the Plan’ on Thursday, August 22 at 7 p.m. Part of the Thursday Night Speakers Series, the event is hosted by the Fort Montgomery Battle Site Association and is by reservation only at 845-446-2134. There is a suggested donation of $5.
That evening, learn about the British three-fold plan (that went very wrong!) for the military forces of Howe, Burgoyne and St. Leger to converge upon Albany, thereby severing New England from other colonies. Join Park Ranger/Military Historian Eric Schnitzer of Saratoga as he reviews the background to the strategic planning of British military operations for 1777 and reveals surprising truths about what really happened.
Then, on Sunday, September 8, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., take in a day of tactical demonstrations, drill, camp life and cooking, called Garrison Day, featuring the 3rd NJ Regiment, Captain Bloomfield’s Company. This is a living history group dedicated to historical authenticity. “Get an exciting glimpse of Continental soldiers and camp follower life during the American Revolution.” Fort Montgomery’s Peter Cutul, assistant Parks and Recreation Supervisor said.
This program is outdoors and family friendly.
Finally, did you know that Bear Mountain was once the scene of an intense battle?
On Saturday, September 28, as part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble (www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com) enjoy ‘In Their Own Words – the Battle for Fort Clinton’.
Take a unique walking tour of one of the Hudson Valley’s most dramatic battle sites! Using firsthand accounts and archaeological data, this tour will chart the flow of the battle of the Twin Forts starting at Bear Mountain State Park and ending up at Fort Clinton (today site of Trailside Museums and Zoo), focusing on the intense fighting that happened in and around Fort Clinton.
Participants will meet at 10 a.m. in front of the Bear Mountain Inn. (Please note there is a $10 per vehicle parking fee at Bear Mountain.
Registration required by September 27th by calling 845-446-2134 or emailing peter.cutul@parks.ny.gov.