Stony Point Battlefield facts for kids
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Stony Point Battlefield
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Entrance to the site of Stony Point Battlefield.
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| Nearest city | Stony Point, New York |
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| Built | 1779 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000567 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 20, 1961 |
Stony Point Battlefield is a special historic place in Rockland County, New York. It was the site of the Battle of Stony Point in 1779, which was an important fight during the American Revolutionary War. Today, it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and has a museum for visitors to learn about its past.
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What is Stony Point Battlefield?
Stony Point Battlefield is a park where you can explore history. It's located on a piece of land that sticks out into the Hudson River. This land was very important during the American Revolutionary War because of its location.
Why is this Battlefield Important?
The Battle of Stony Point happened here on July 16, 1779. American soldiers, led by General Anthony Wayne, launched a surprise night attack against British forces. The Americans won a big victory, which boosted their spirits during the war.
A Look Back: History of the Site
The land was bought and protected in the late 1890s. It first opened to the public in 1902. This made sure that future generations could learn about the important events that happened there.
Early Celebrations and a Special Flight
In 1929, people celebrated 150 years since the battle. Over 8,000 important guests came to the event. There were traditional military displays, showing how soldiers looked and fought long ago. A modern airplane, piloted by Mrs. Opal Kunz, flew over the battlefield. She dropped hundreds of small American flags from the sky. This was a very exciting and new thing to see at the time!
Becoming a State Historic Site
A museum was built at the site in 1936. In the 1940s, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission started managing the battlefield. They also bought more land around it to protect the area.
In 1961, Stony Point Battlefield was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place of great national importance. By the 1980s, the park included all the public land on the peninsula. This also included the historic Stony Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1826.
Today, the site is known as Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site. It offers many ways to learn about history.
What Can You Do at the Park?
The museum at Stony Point Battlefield has exhibits about the battle and the lighthouse. You can learn about what life was like for soldiers in the 1700s.
Fun Activities and Programs
The park offers many interesting programs. You can see demonstrations of 18th-century military life. This includes cannon and musket firings, which show how weapons were used back then. There are also cooking demonstrations, nature walks, and guided tours of the battlefield. Kids can enjoy special activities designed just for them.
Art at the Museum
Artist Lee Woodward Zeigler painted two murals for the museum around 1936. One of these paintings shows George Washington and Anthony Wayne planning their attack. They are shown looking down from nearby Buckberg Mountain.
Visiting Stony Point Battlefield
The park is open from Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sundays, it is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can find it just north of the Village of Stony Point, New York on U.S. Route 9W.
