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History Comes Alive in Hoosick!
Battle of Bennington Reenactment, August 16 & 17
Saturday
1:00 pm -"People of the Battle of Bennington" program (Barnet House)
1:30 pm - "Nichols' March" departs camp
4:00 pm - Storming of the "Dragoon Redoubt" (Top of Hill)
4:45 pm - Repulse of Breymann's relief force (Top of Hill)
5:30 pm - Remembrance Ceremony (Top of Hill)
Sunday (All programs held near Barnet House)
11 am - 2 pm - Camp Life demonstrations and "The Story of the Battle" Exhibit
11:00 am - Stark's Attack over the Walloomsac River
1:30 pm - Battle for the "Tory Fort"
2:15 pm - Pass in Review
For more information, call the Park office at 518-279-1150 or event coordinator Peter Schaaphok at 518-369-0910 or dragoon@taconic.net. All programs are free.
Nationally renowned living history organization "The Brigade of the American Revolution" will host the commemoration of the Battle of Bennington on August 16 and 17 at the New York State Historic Site on Route 67 in Walloomsac, NY.
The weekend will highlight narrated reenactments of the engagements that took place 237 years ago, along with demonstrations of camp life, a "People of the Battle of Bennington" program, a 3-mile hike reenacting "Nichols' March," and a Remembrance Ceremony. All programs are free. (see schedule)
The camps will be situated around the Barnet House on the south side of Route 67, but please note that Caretaker Road will be closed. Public parking will be on Cottrell Road; see attached map and look for the signs. (Limited parking for those with special needs will be available near the Caretaker Bridge.) Saturday afternoon’s battle reenactments will be at the State Park on the north side of Route 67. The public should park along the main driveway to the State Park.
Come experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of 1777. Witness the recreation of a pivotal event in our War for Independence, and see history come to life!
History Comes Alive in Hoosick!
Battle of Bennington Reenactment, August 16 & 17
On August 16th, 1777, in a small hamlet of Hoosick, NY called Walloomsac, a rebel force of roughly 2000 men under the command of General John Stark, decisively defeated a detachment of Germans, loyalists and native allies. This action diminished General Burgoyne’s army by 1000 men, prevented the capture of important supplies located in nearby Bennington, VT, and set the stage for the American victory at Saratoga.
On August 16 & 17th, 2014, on the very ground where it happened, the nationally renowned living history organization the "Brigade of the American Revolution" will commemorate and reenact this pivotal event.
Authentically attired and equipped living history enthusiasts will bring to life the actions that took place 237 years ago to the day. In addition to the tactical reenactments, a full and exciting weekend of activities is scheduled. Visitors are encouraged to tour the camps and experience the sights and sounds of 1777.
The Battle of Bennington State Historic Site is located on Route 67 in Walloomsac, NY. The camps will be situated at the Barnet Homestead off of Cottrell Road, and will be open to the public from 11:00 to 3:00 pm both days. Saturday's reenactments of the storming of the "Dragoon Redoubt" and the repulse of Breymann's relief force will take place on the northern side of Route 67 at the top of the so-called "Hessian Hill" beginning at 4:00 pm. Sunday's reenactments, including the Battle for the "Tory Fort" will take place on the southern side of route 67, adjacent to the Cottrell farm. All programs are free.
Watch history come to life as the Brigade of the American Revolution recreates this turning point in our war for independence.
For more information, call the Park office at 518-279-1150 or event coordinator
Peter Schaaphok at 518-369-0910 or dragoon@taconic.net
Public invited to join March to Battle of Bennington
One of the unique activities planned for the Brigade of the American Revolution's Battle of Bennington event will be the recreation of a section of Colonel Nichols' flanking march. This march was part of a two pronged pincer movement initiated by General Stark to envelop the Brunswick Dragoons in their barricade on "Hessian Hill".
The modern march will take place on Saturday afternoon, August 16th, and will consist of a three-mile hike over terrain varying from steep hills to open fields to rough wooded paths to country lanes. Just as it did 237 years ago, the march will end on "Hessian Hill," in time for the reenacted attack on the “Dragoon Redoubt."
As part of its educational mission, the Brigade of the American Revolution is inviting members of the public to join the march, alongside authentically dressed and accoutered interpreters. It’s a rare opportunity to get a first-hand taste of what it was like to be part of this historic military action.
The hike is free, but is limited to 15 able-bodied participants. For further details, and to reserve a spot, please contact Peter Schaaphok at dragoon@taconic.net or 518-369-0910 by Wednesday August 13, 2014.