New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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New Windsor Cantonment
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Reconstructions of the Temple and another building.
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Temple Hill Rd., Vails Gate, NY |
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| Nearest city | Newburgh |
| Area | 2,275 acres (921 ha) |
| Built | 1782 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000898 |
| Added to NRHP | July 31, 1972 |
The New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site is a special place in New Windsor, New York. It is located near Vails Gate along Route 300. This site shows a rebuilt version of the Continental Army's last big military camp. It's like stepping back in time to see where soldiers lived.
Contents
The Last Army Camp
Why the Army Stayed Here
Between June 1782 and October 1783, about 7,000 soldiers lived here. They stayed in 600 log huts spread over 1,600 acres. Even though the Siege of Yorktown had mostly ended the war in 1781, the British still held New York City. George Washington thought Britain might try to restart the war. So, it was important to keep the army ready. The camp was close to New York City and the important Hudson River. This way, the army could act quickly if needed. On April 19, 1783, Washington officially announced the end of the war for the army.
The Newburgh Conspiracy
A Challenge to Washington's Leadership
Even after the war ended, times were still uncertain. There was a moment called the Newburgh Conspiracy. Some army officers were upset because they had not been paid for their service. They thought about marching to the Continental Congress to demand their pay. But George Washington convinced them not to. He gave a famous speech in a building called The Temple. During this speech, he revealed he had trouble seeing, which surprised his officers. This moment showed his strong leadership. The Temple is one of the buildings that has been rebuilt at the site.
Honoring Heroes
The Purple Heart Award
The Purple Heart medal was first given out here. This medal honors soldiers who are wounded or killed in battle. To remember this important history, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor opened on November 10, 2006. It is a place where we can learn about the brave people who received this award.
After the War
From Camp to Historic Site
After the war ended, the army left the camp. The log huts where the soldiers lived were sold. Some of the stone walls you see at the site today might be made from stones from the old fireplaces. In 1963, the town bought 167 acres of the original camp. This area is now a monument. The Temple building and the land around it are cared for by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Visiting the Site
What to See and Do
The New Windsor Cantonment is open from mid-April through October. You can visit Wednesdays through Sundays. There is no cost to enter. The site often has special events and activities. You might see reenactors dressed in clothes from the 1700s. They help visitors imagine what life was like for the soldiers.
See also
