While Benedict Arnold’s traitorous plot to sell West Point to the British in 1780 is undoubtedly the most famous (or infamous) story associated with the Revolutionary War in New York’s lower Hudson River region, plenty of other events during the period 1777 thru 1783 are worthy of historical note. The environs of the lower Hudson River Valley teemed with Patriots, Redcoats, Tories, heroes, spies and scoundrels before independence was finally won.

On Friday morning, we will start at Fort Montgomery, the site of British General Sir Henry Clinton’s successful attack on American forces in 1777. This stop will complete the story of the British campaign of 1777 for those who have been on our Saratoga and Mohawk Valley tours.

From Fort Montgomery, we will travel to the Stony Point battlefield, where General “Mad Anthony” Wayne staged his surprise night-time attack on an unsuspecting British garrison in July 1779. Lunch on Friday will be at the historic Old ’76 House in Tappan, where British Major John Andre, Arnold’s youthful co-conspirator, was held prisoner before being hanged on orders from General George Washington. In the afternoon we will tour the forts that guarded the river at West Point. Here - at Forts Putnam and Clinton (also known as Fort Arnold) - the great boom chain across the Hudson was placed to prevent the British from sailing upriver. We will then enjoy a short boat ride to Constitution Island where we will explore the ruins of the fort there.

On Saturday, we will visit Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh where the founding father spent over sixteen months between 1782 and 1783. We will visit the Hasbrouck House, the first publicly operated historic site in the United States, which opened in 1850. Next, we will visit the fieldstone headquarters of Washington’s beloved artillerist, General Henry Knox at Vails Gate which retains much of its wartime appearance. We will then visit the New Windsor Cantonment, the final encampment of the American army before it was disbanded after American independence was guaranteed by the Treaty of Paris. A re-creation of army life in 1782-83 is captured on the gentle hillsides of New Windsor. It was here that Washington withstood a mutinous attempt by some disgruntled officers known as the Newburgh Conspiracy. Also here, the graying, bespectacled general offered his moving Newburgh Address in the Temple of Virtue, an action which further exemplified his leadership as the father of our country. Adjacent to the New Windsor Cantonment is the newly opened National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, a unique, state-of-the art facility that preserves the extraordinary sacrifices made by ordinary Americans for our nation, which we will visit as the last stop of our two day tour.

Bruce Venter and David Hinze have established a reputation for providing surprises on their tours and this one will be no exception. They have arranged for a special guest to join us at our overview on opening night. For this reason alone, you won’t want to miss this tour, which should be one of our most popular of the year. Our limit is 40 participants, so please enroll today to be assured of a place. 

About Our Tour Leaders

Bruce M. Venter is a native of upstate New York and an experienced Revolutionary War tour leader. He is best known as a leading authority on Civil War cavalry. He has lectured at Civil War symposia and has been published in Civil War magazine, Blue & Gray magazine and the Washington Times.

David C. Hinze is a popular leader of American history tours. In 2004, his 53 installment series, Iron Wills and Men of Leather: The Story of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, appeared in more than 50 newspapers.

Program Begins on Thursday, October 11

8:00 PM-8:45 PM           Overview – Comfort Inn – Newburgh, Newburgh, New York

Program Concludes on Saturday, October 13

5:00 PM                        Arrive Back at Comfort Inn – Newburgh

REGISTRATION FEES (lodging not included):   Adult: $ 395                Under Age 23: $125

If You Must Cancel: Your registration fee will be 100% refunded.

What is Included in your Registration:

·        the services of expert historians chosen for their knowledge and experience   

·        Friday & Saturday lunches

·        refreshments during the seminar

·        map & information package

Base Location & Lodging: We will be based at the Comfort Inn – Newburgh, 5 Lakeside Road, Newburgh, NY 12550 where we have reserved a block of rooms at the special nightly rate of $98.00 + tax - Single or Double. To reserve a room under our block, call 845-567-0567 and identify yourself as a registrant for the American History Forum Tour.