Take a Road Trip
Through History
In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the original 13 colonies declared independence with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Orange County, NY, rich with Revolutionary War history, played a central role in those pivotal events, serving as a hub for military personnel transporting supplies, guarding the Hudson River, and witnessing several battles and skirmishes where local soldiers fought for freedom.
To honor this milestone, special events will be staged throughout Orange County and the Hudson Valley leading up to the 250th anniversary. Explore our historic sites, commemorate the legacy of those who shaped our nation, and check back often to discover new events celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Timeline of the Revolution
As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Orange County is spotlighting its remarkable contributions to the Founding Era.
Sept. 3, 1774
Continental Congress Delegate.
Goshen native Henry Wisner is selected as a delegate to the First Continental Congress at the Yelverton Inn in Chester. The building still stands.
Jan. 27, 1775
Protests, Loyalists.
Patriots burn Samuel Seabury’s Loyalists pamphlets in protest in Montgomery, Wallkill and New Windsor.
Oct. 25, 1775
Militia Creation.
The Newburgh company of the Ulster County Militia forms at Weigand’s Tavern in Newburgh. The building stands at 326 Liberty St., Newburgh.
May-June 1776
Army Supply Mills.
Henry Wisner of Goshen builds two gunpowder mills in Orange County to supply the Army. A historical marker stands at 155-160 Midway Road, Middletown.
July 30, 1777
Orange Native is First Governor.
Orange County native George Clinton is installed as first governor of New York. He remains New York’s longest-serving governor, having held the office for 7,641 days. Clinton later becomes vice president under Thomas Jefferson. A marker on Little Britain Road (Route 207) in New Windsor stands near where he was born in 1739.
Oct. 6, 1777
Hudson River Chain Removal.
Forts Montgomery and Clinton are lost to a British and Hessian attack. The British also remove the chain strung across the Hudson River from Fort Montgomery to Anthony’s Nose on the east bank. Visit the Fort Montgomery State Historic Site to learn more in exhibits and interpretive programs by costumed staff. Hike trails past historic ruins.
Jan. 27, 1778
Birth of West Point.
Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons and his brigade cross the frozen Hudson River and climb to the plain on West Point. From that day on, West Point is occupied by the United States Army. The United States Military Academy is established there in 1802. Enjoy guided tours and walk the paths of generals and presidents tracing the footsteps of our country’s great leaders.
Sept. 21 - Oct. 2, 1780
Benedict Arnold’s Traitorous Plan.
Gen. Benedict Arnold plots to surrender the crucial fort at West Point to the British. The scheme is discovered when British spy John Andre is captured. Andre is executed, Arnold defects to the British.
April 1782 - Aug. 1783
Washington at Newburgh.
Gen. George Washington is stationed at headquarters in Newburgh longer than any other headquarters during the eight-year war. His time in Newburgh is marked by several milestones, including his insistence that America should not have a king. Learn more with a visit to the George Washington Headquarters Historical Site, which became the nation’s first publicly owned historical site in 1850.
June 1782 – Oct. 1783
Awaiting the War’s End in New Windsor.
The New Windsor Cantonment includes 600 log huts built to house the bulk of the Continental Army. Some 7,500 soldiers and 500 women and children civilian refugees encamp there during the final days of the conflict.
Aug. 7, 1782
The Purple Heart.
George Washington creates the Badge of Military Merit, the forerunner to the Purple Heart established in 1932. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor tells the history and honors the courageous men and women who have earned the medal.
April 19, 1783
Cease Fire.
Gen. George Washington issues the cease-fire from his headquarters in the Hasbrouck House in Newburgh.
March 15, 1783
The Newburgh Conspiracy.
Gen. George Washington defuses the “Newburgh Conspiracy,” involving Continental Army officers planning a mutiny over unpaid wages. Addressing the conspirators at the Temple of Virtue at the New Windsor Cantonment, Washington sympathizes with their demands but implores them to remain loyal.
June 1783
Washington’s Vision.
Gen. George Washington pens his Circular Letter to the States – also known as his “Farewell Orders” – at his Newburgh Headquarters. The letter offers his parting advice for success of the new nation, emphasizing the advantages the United States enjoys as it embarks on being a democracy.
Our History Can Be Found Around Every Corner
George Washington’s favorite general… until he wasn’t.
Before his name became a warning whispered through history, Benedict Arnold was a battlefield hero. Fearless. Strategic. Relentless. George Washington trusted him. Relied on him. Defended him. He helped secure critical American victories when the Revolution was hanging by a thread. Many believed he was destined to stand beside Washington in glory. Instead, he chose another path. What happens when loyalty fractures? When ambition curdles into resentment? When a hero decides he’s had enough? George Washington’s favorite general… until he wasn’t.
Countdown to Independence Day
We’re counting down to Independence Day 2026, but this milestone is only the beginning!
Explore Legendary Locations
Orange County, New York played a vital role in America’s fight for independence. As the site of key Revolutionary War encampments, supply routes, and military strategy, the county became a strategic stronghold in the Hudson Valley.
Washington's Headquarters
Most notably, Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh served as General George Washington’s final wartime headquarters from 1782–1783, where he rejected the Newburgh Conspiracy and helped shape the peaceful transition of power that defined our young nation.
New Windsor Cantonment
The New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, also known as New Windsor Cantonment, is located along NY 300, north one mile of Vails Gate, in the Town of New Windsor, Orange County, New York. The site features a reconstruction of the Continental Army’s final military encampment.
United States Military Academy at West Point
United States Military Academy at West Point stands on ground fortified during the Revolution to prevent British ships from advancing north. Today, the Academy continues its legacy of leadership and service, offering visitors breathtaking views, historic monuments, and a direct connection to the site that helped secure American independence.
Knox's
Headquarters
Built in 1754, Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site served as military headquarters for Major General Henry Knox on several occasions during the Revolutionary War. As Commander of the American artillery, Knox established his military headquarters at the Georgian-style house in Vails Gate.
