New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site

10/08/2026

LAUNDRY DAY AT NEW WINDSOR CANTONMENT

Approximately 250 women and 250 children were encamped at the New Windsor Cantonment, most of these “followers” of the army were wives and children of soldiers at the encampment. The women of the army carried out various support roles most predominantly laundry and mending clothing. Clean clothing added greatly to the health, morale, and appearance of the army. A fee was collected for laundry services provided, and to avoid price gouging, standard prices were set for each piece of clothing. Prices varied based on whether the soap used for the washing was provided by the washerwoman or by the soldier from his rations.

“[Pay rates for] Women…washing and ironing finding [providing] soap
(price in) Coppers
a ruffled shirt------------------- 4
plain do-------------------------- 3

cloth vest & breeches each - 3

cloth overalls------------------- 4
linnen do------------------------ 3

handerkercheif----------------- 1

stocks---------------------------- 1

pair of hose--------------------- 2

linen vest & breeches each--- 2”

(Regimental Orders, January 27, 1783, 2nd Mass. Orderly Book.)

10/04/2026

It was Dark Back Then:
Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

By reservation only! Looking for a spooky experience this Halloween season? Join us on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for “It Was Dark Back Then,” a unique piece of gothic-style museum theater.

In the spirit of 18th century gothic novels, costumed interpreters from the New Windsor Cantonment and Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Sites submit for your approval a live action original production. We invite you to step into a fictional world of Revolutionary War era spies, betrayal, and ghosts as you traverse the eerie, night-cloaked grounds of the 1754 Ellison Home, once the headquarters of General Henry Knox.

This production is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Performances occur every hour. To reserve your performance time and for more information, please call 845-562-7141 ext. 22. This event books up quickly, so make your reservations early and please notify us of any cancellations. Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site is located at 289 Forge Hill Road, Vails Gate (New Windsor), NY.

09/17/2026

This past weekend the New Windsor Cantonment hosted a day of programing focusing on Black and Indigenous Revolutionary War soldiers that served in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment of the Continental Line.

We are grateful to the talented interpreters from the Living History Co. who represented soldiers and camp followers of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. Their displays and demonstrations included music, medicine, laundry and military drill. Antoine Watts spoke about the regiment’s history, battles & campaigns, and gave insights into The Slave Enlistment Act of 1778.

We would also like to thank our featured speaker Lorén Spears from the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter, RI. She delivered a tremendous presentation titled, “Revolution: Impact, Diplomacy & Sovereignty,” focusing on the Revolutionary War’s impact towards Indigenous and Narragansett people, and the lesser-known story of Indigenous service in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. She also spoke about a tradition of service and sacrifice that continues amongst Native American communities to this day.

Finally, thank you to all the visitors who came out to support the event!

(Photos by Kerry Sclafani Photography)

08/28/2026

The 1st Rhode Island Regiment: The African and Indigenous Contributions to the Continental Army's "Black Regiment": Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

On Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site will host a special free living history event focused on the 1st Rhode Island Regiment in the American Revolution. Rhode Island offered freedom to enslaved men in exchange for military service, making the 1st Rhode Island Regiment one of the most diverse in the Continental Army. The “Black Regiment,” as it was known, included Black, Indigenous, and white soldiers, and was briefly present at New Windsor Cantonment during the winter of 1782-83.

This family-friendly event will feature living history interpreters from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment who will share unique stories and insights into the lives of Black Revolutionary War soldiers and the 1st Rhode Island’s contributions towards American independence. Ongoing activities, including tabletop displays and camp life demonstrations, will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at New Windsor Cantonment. The 1st Rhode Island Regiment will be performing military drills at 11:15 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

At 1:00 p.m. there will be a brief introductory talk about the history of the regiment and their service during the Revolution. This will be followed by a talk with Lorén M. Spears titled, “Revolution: Impact, Diplomacy & Sovereignty,” focusing on the experiences of the Narragansett people, unfreedom, sovereignty and the lesser-known story of Indigenous service in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment will be held at 1:15 p.m. Both talks with be held in the program room of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, adjacent to the New Windsor Cantonment visitor center. Doors open at 12:30, seating is limited.

08/22/2026

Join us on September 12th for special programing!

08/19/2026

07/26/2026

Thank you to everyone who turned out for our program “One of the Wonders of the Revolution,” held on the 276th anniversary of Henry Knox’s birth. The program included a special presentation called “Equal Command” featuring the background of Henry and Lucy Knox's unique Revolutionary lives and a presentation about the Continental Army’s Artillery. A guided tour of "The Last Argument of Kings," New Windsor Cantonment's artillery exhibit was followed by a living history demonstration with cannon firing.

07/17/2026

One of the wonders of the Revolution”: Henry and Lucy Knox and the Continental Artillery: Saturday July 25, 2026: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Join us on Saturday July 25, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for special America 250 programs focused on the Continental Artillery and Major General Henry Knox and Lucy Knox. At 1:00 PM the talk "Equal Command" will feature the background of Henry and Lucy Knox's unique Revolutionary lives. Then the program will continue with a talk on "One of the Wonders of the Revolution: Henry Knox and the Continental Artillery". This will be followed by a special guided tour of "The Last Argument of Kings," New Windsor Cantonment's artillery exhibit. The afternoon will close with an artillery demonstration with cannon firing. For reservations and more information please call (845) 562-7141 ext. 20.

Lucy Flucker, the daughter of a wealthy British official, abandoned her Loyalist family to keep Henry Knox, her rebel beau. Traveling often to spend time with Henry, their love survived the bitterly divisive Revolution and the loss of 10 of their 13 children. Henry established his reputation in the beginning of the Revolutionary War by transporting nearly 60 cannons from Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga in the dead of winter 300 miles to break the British hold on Boston. As commander of the artillery, his gun crews ably served throughout the war.

07/02/2026

INDEPENDENCE DAY 250 at the New Windsor Cantonment and Knox's Headquarters: July 4th, 2026:

The New Windsor Cantonment and Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Sites invite the public to attend free Revolutionary War programs at both sites on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Programs include military drills, live music, costumed historians, and interactive readings of the Declaration of Independence.

Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site: (289 Forge Hill Road in New Windsor, NY)
At Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site tour the 1754 Ellison House, the military command post for three generals. John and Catherine Ellison were gracious hosts to three Continental Army generals at different times during the Revolutionary War. Guided tours of Knox’s Headquarters will be offered at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 PM, 3:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. At 11:30 a.m., see a military drill and musket firings performed by soldiers. At 12:30 p.m. there will be a participatory reading of the Declaration of Independence led by a Continental Army Officer. From 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., enjoy a selection of 18th century music with Liaisons Plaisantes, a group of re-enactors, historians and musicians who specialize in 18th century music.

New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site: (374 Temple Hill Rd New Windsor NY, 12553) New Windsor Cantonment will be open to the public from 10am-5pm and include a military drill and artillery demonstration at 2:00 PM followed by a visitor participatory reading of the Declaration of Independence. Musket firings, military medicine, and other Continental Army activities will take place throughout the day.

06/22/2026

Independence Day 250 at the New Windsor Cantonment and Knox's Headquarters: July 4th, 2026:

The New Windsor Cantonment and Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Sites invite the public to attend free Revolutionary War programs at both sites on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Programs include military drills, live music, costumed historians, and interactive readings of the Declaration of Independence.

Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site: (289 Forge Hill Road in New Windsor, NY)
At Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site tour the 1754 Ellison House, the military command post for three generals. John and Catherine Ellison were gracious hosts to three Continental Army generals at different times during the Revolutionary War. Guided tours of Knox’s Headquarters will be offered at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 PM, 3:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. At 11:30 a.m., see a military drill and musket firings performed by soldiers. At 12:30 p.m. there will be a participatory reading of the Declaration of Independence led by a Continental Army Officer. From 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., enjoy a selection of 18th century music with Liaisons Plaisantes, a group of re-enactors, historians and musicians who specialize in 18th century music.