A few miles to the southwest of Newburgh is the town of Vails Gate, where 7,000 troops of Continental soldiers had an encampment during this time. Now a preserved historic site called the New Windsor Cantonment, visitors still come to the encampment year-round to enjoy its parks and natural beauty. Reenactments and other period-based activities are scheduled regularly here during the warmer months. While visiting the New Windsor Cantonment, don’t miss the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Washington first awarded the Purple Heart here (at that time called the Badge of Military Merit).

For those looking for even more Revolutionary era history, consider a scenic drive along route 9W. This drive takes you through Stony Point, the site of a daring midnight assault by Americans in 1779, and will of course pass West Point, where there are still many fortifications and weapons from that period as well as endless amounts of other interesting Revolutionary War history. Although the British torched Kingston in 1777, many of the Revolutionary period stone homes survived and can be visited in the Kingston Stockade.

There is endless history in Orange County – both Revolutionary era and otherwise – and we welcome all curious history fans who would like to experience the dynamic past of this area.