Orange County

Historic Sites | Historic Hudson Valley

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 West Point Historic Sites | Historic Hudson Valley

Military Academy at West Point, NY, Orange County, History of West Point, Revolutionary War, Washington transferred his headquarters to West Point, Fortress West Point, Benedict Arnold's treason, West Point is the oldest military post in America | Orange History of U.S. Military Academy at West Point

845-938-4041
  The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, offers a museum and tours of its Gothic Revival-style campus located at West Point, NY in Orange County.

A Brief History of West Point: "West Point's role in our nation's history dates back to the Revolutionary War, when both sides realized the strategic importance of the commanding plateau on the west bank of the Hudson River. General George Washington considered West Point to be the most important strategic position in America. Washington personally selected Thaddeus Kosciuszko, one of the heroes of Saratoga, to design the fortifications for West Point in 1778, and Washington transferred his headquarters to West Point in 1779. Continental soldiers built forts, batteries and redoubts and extended a 150-ton iron chain across the Hudson to control river traffic. Fortress West Point was never captured by the British, despite Benedict Arnold's treason. West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America. History of U.S. Military Academy at West Point | Orange  website and more . . .

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Historic Sites in Orange County
Historic Hudson Valley
New York



Orange County, one of the ten counties in the Historic Hudson Valley is located in the mid-Hudson Valley, on the west side of the Hudson River. Orange borders Ulster County on it's northern border and Rockland County on its southern border. Visit Orange and find several Historic Sites and Historic Battlefields of the American Revolution. Learn about Fort Montgomery in the American Revolution, the Historic Trail of 1777 & 1779 in the American Revolution, and West Point, whose role in history dates back to the Revolutionary War.

Orange County historic sites include Fort Washington's Headquarters and the United States Military Academy of West Point, both historic landmarks and critical in American Revolutionary history.

The Historic Hudson Valley has been designated a National Heritage Area extending from Albany in the upper-Hudson Valley to northern New York City, just south of Westchester County in the lower-Hudson Valley. This area contains a rich collection of nationally significant cultural and historical sites that are set against the beautiful landscapes of the valley. The period from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War is well represented.

The Historic Hudson Valley abounds with the history of a new nation. Visit historic sites where much of American history was born. Experience history as it was lived in the homes of presidents, signers of the Declaration of Independence, and leaders of industry that shaped much of America. Go back in time to the American Revolutionary War and walk the battleground in Fort Montgomery, where American patriots lived and fought during the American Revolution.

Plan an educational vacation in the Hudson Valley. Find many fun things to do with kids while experiencing history in the Hudson Valley. For the best family vacation, visit the Historic Hudson Valley. Spend your days exploring history, natural beauty, and art as interpreted and painted by the Hudson River School of Artists. Relax in the breathtaking landscapes that are part of the inherent beauty of the valley.

The Historic Hudson Valley, comprised of ten counties, is generally referenced as three geographic areas: the lower-Hudson Valley, mid-Hudson Valley, and upper-Hudson Valley. These counties all bank the Hudson River on either the east or west side of the river. The Hudson River runs through five counties to the east and five counties to the west of the river, as seen in this Hudson River Valley Map.

The mid-Hudson Valley is comprised of Putnam and Dutchess County on the east side of the Hudson River and Orange and Ulster County on the west side. Learn about the history of the mid-Hudson Valley by visiting historic homes, historic districts, and see the art and collections of prominent and influential Americans.

Visit Fort Montgomery, where American patriots fought an early American Revolution battle to hold the Hudson River. Find the best attractions for kids and the whole family, with many sites offering fun activities for kids. Learn about the War of the Revolution (1775 to 1783) by visiting sites and battlegrounds of the war. Discover more about the American Revolution in Orange County.

Orange County Historic Sites include
    Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site
    Visit Washington's Headquarters located at 84 Liberty Street, Newburgh, NY 12551 in Orange County. Visit Washington's Headquarters, the "nation's first publicly owned historic site and tour the rooms where American history was made. In the critical months that General George Washington spent at Newburgh, he made some of his most important contributions to shaping the American republic. It was here that Washington rejected the idea that he should be king after the war; ended the Newburgh conspiracy, preventing military control of the government; created and awarded the Badge of Military Merit, forerunner of the Purple Heart; and circulated a letter to State Governors that influenced the writing of the Constitution."

    Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site
    Knox's Headquarters is located at Vails Gate, NY 12584 in Orange County. On several occasions during the Revolutionary War, Major General Henry Knox, Commander of the America artillery, established his military headquarters at John Ellison's 1754 Georgian-style house in Vails Gate. From October 1782 until the spring of 1783, as 7,000 soldiers and 500 'camp followers' were establishing winter quarters at the New Windsor Cantonment, and General Washington was lodged at Jonathan Hasbrouck's house in Newburgh, New York, Major General Horatio Gates occupied the elegant home from which he commanded the cantonment. Here the army awaited the end of the Revolutionary War that became effective when Washington issued the cease fire orders on April 19, 1783.

    Fort Montgomery Historic Site
    Fort Montgomery is located in Fort Montgomery, NY 10922 in the historic Hudson River Valley. "Fort Montgomery was the scene of a fierce battle for control of the Hudson River during the American Revolutionary War; the Hudson was considered strategic by both the Americans and the British during the American War for Independence. Today, Fort Montgomery stands as an archeological site and a historic ruin."

    Fort Montgomery's West Redoubt
    "Fort Montgomery's West Redoubt was one of three strong points built to defend the fort from an overland attack. New York State's Governor, Brigadier General George Clinton, commanded Fort Montgomery during the battle on October 6, 1777. Clinton ordered his men into the fort's three redoubts, where they were attacked by 900 British and Loyalist soldiers. After mounting a brave resistance, the Americans were driven from the redoubts and were forced to abandon the fort."

    Constitution Island
    Constitution Island is part of West Point, the United States Military Academy, a National Registered Landmark. Constitution Island is most famous for the Great Chain that was placed across the Hudson during the Revolutionary War. Constitution Island is also known for the Warner family who lived on the Island during the 19th century. The Warner House and ruins of the Revolutionary War fortifications are the primary points of interest. The Island’s 280 acres are covered with hiking trails. The Constitution Island Association was founded in 1916 to preserve and protect the history and traditions of this unique American site. Learn about the chaining of the Hudson, an attempt to keep the British from controlling the Hudson River.

The Historic Hudson Valley is flush with beautiful parks and magnificent scenic opportunities. Most parks offer picnic tables, some with views over the Hudson River. Find a park that is conveniently located and enjoy a picnic in the park.

Plan a Manhattan-getaway, or plan a two-week vacation exploring history in the Hudson Valley. Take a leap back in time and visit the Historic Hudson Valley where you can place yourself in the homes and estates of presidents such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and titans of industry such as John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan, all contributing to the development and growth of America in one way or another.

Plan a vacation filled with history. Visit the Historic Hudson Valley of New York. Learn about the American Revolution, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the beginning of a new nation. Visitors of all ages can explore and delight in the story of the birth of the United States as they tour historic places of interest.

The Historic Hudson Valley, steeped in history, overflows with natural beauty. See the lakes, the mountains, and magnificent landscapes of the valley. Visit the farmer's markets, and the pick-your-own fields of vegetables and fruit. Many Hudson Valley farms are part of the burgeoning sustainable and organic movement, so Pick-Your-Own fruit and vegetables and have a healthy picnic made from the produce of a local Hudson Valley farm.

Orange County Parks
Sterling Forest State Park, a 21,935-acre park, is located at 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987 in Orange County. Enjoy a picnic at Sterling Forest offering wonderful activities and things to do at the park.

If you plan on eating out in Orange County, find many excellent places to eat in the villages and towns of Orange County. Enjoy waterfront dining along the Hudson Shores of Orange County.

For a selection of restaurants offering waterfront dining in Orange County, select restaurants with Waterfront dining and enjoy a meal overlooking the water, while eating out in Newburgh.



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