new windsor cantonment

This small display of life in Revolutionary War camps under General Washington's command in 1781 is interesting but small. The lower level contains war artillery cannons and howitzers. It's worth visiting if in the area and is connected to the Purple Heart Hall of Honor. We didn't see the old camp building because they were closed for winter,

What was once a large encampment has been reduced over the years to a small piece of land with a few buildings surrounded by new neighborhoods. It is sad that this was not preserved a few hundred years ago so it is what it is today. When you visit you will see a few of the old buildings none of which are original to the site. A tour guide in what is supposed to be period costume gives a very nice talk and fires a musket. There is a purple heart museum which is interesting and well done. There are a few relics inside the museum but not a whole lot of things to look at. We spent about 90 minutes total and saw all there was to see. I think if you took children they would not find this very interesting. There is not much more that can be done to improve this since the piece of land it sits on is small. It is what it is.

I grew up less than two miles from here. As I grew so did my appreciation for the significance for this place. It was here that the troops were informed that the hostilities with the British were announced to the troops quartered here. They were told they could go home. The war was over. That was April 19, 1783. That makes April 19 both the Alpha and the Omega of the Revolutionary War. It is also where General Washington also presented two purple ribbons to two conscripted soldiers whom received wounds in battle. Today that award is known as the Purple Heart and the National Purple Heart group is also headquartered here. The first Purple Heart award was a simple ribbon. The significance of this award is that this is the first time a conscripted soldier of any sort was recognized for anything! Until then only officers were awarded anything. The other significance is the date that the troops quartered here could now know the war over. Yes the treaty was signed in Paris, France in January and it took until late March for the official copy to arrive here. Washington chose April 19 too be the official date because he realized the significance of having April 19 would now be the date that we should observe both start and the end of the hostilities. When you look directly East from the Cantonment you will see a long open stretch of land below. Here is where the artillery troops would practice their loading and aiming of their cannon. Today that area is built with houses and businesses. Did I ever find any cannon balls in the woods. No, but I sure did look for them as a child. The Cantonment and Vails Gate are a special place for me and if you really study history of the area, you will realize just how much history is a part of it.

Much research has gone into the New Windsor Cantonment; my parents were on the Board many years ago and were instrumental in much of what you see today. The Temple building is reconstructed within 18" of the original. I don't know what OhioBER was looking for or expecting, but when I worked there years ago, there were 7 buildings including a very charming gift shop. We all wore historically correct costumes, but often the heat during the summer precludes wearing a soldier's uniform which was made of wool. The Officer's Hut is well worth catching, especially if there are demonstrations that day.

Complete with guides dressed in costume who were extremely informative. The only downside was the bugs who ate us alive. spray and go!

I honestly admit I was expecting more based on the other reviews. The visitor center looks nice from the outside, but all it really contains is one small room with some displays and information about the conditions facing the Continental Army during its stay here. Unlike most other visitor centers, there wasn't an orientation film that I could find (although if you visit the nearby Washington HQ in Newburgh the orientation film there gives you a good understanding of what happened here as well). I think the Purple Heart Hall of Fame actually constitutes about 75% of the space in the joint facility it shares with the cantonment visitor center. There is a small gift shop, but nothing to write home about.Making my way to the buildings of the cantonment, I was disappointed how few there were, and I think 2 of them were locked up and inaccessible. The highlight is the so-called Temple of Virtue, a reconstruction of the large meeting house used by the army. Only 2 costumed guides were present, neither was even dressed as a Continental soldier. They are really missing the boat here, it would have been great to have someone portray a soldier who witnessed Washington thwart the officers conspiracy against Congress. Worth a stop if you are in the area, but not something I would go out of my way to visit again.

New Windsor Cantonment is where the Purple Heart was established by George Washington. It is also where he was when he found out that the British had surrendered. The Purple Heart Hall of Fame is there and they have costumed guides who are very instructive. I have been there a few times and will go again before the end of the summer.

Pays tribute to our fallen and forgotten men and women, who lost their lives so that we can live in freedom and play with our smart phones! What a dear price they paid. May they rest in peace, Amen.

History that took place locally is always interesting-especially if done right-which this place is. The grounds are nice, the displays are interesting,& they seem to have their facts right.

The Purple Heart Hall of Honor on the grounds is a place all need to see to understand the sacrifices that others have made for our country

They have a small museum with a arms room downstairs very helpful and knowledgeable attendants also.

The Continental Army was based here, and the Purple Heart Museum is on the same grounds (and it's across the street from the Continental Army's last encampment).

During the year the Cantonment has several wonderful; events celebrating the history of the American Revolution in this area. It is worth checking the website for the 2012 season.In between we enjoy walking among the buildings to read the many info signs and relaxing with history. A short walk will bring you to another fine attraction; the Purple Medal Museum.

Use of yopur imagintion is needed here. Not one of NY's shining jewels. The neighboring Hall of Honor for Purple Heart Medal Awardees is a better choice

Was official photographer for the Bicentennial of Peace Celebration sponsored by the National New Wiindsor Historic Assoc. Have over 16,000 Slides, 16,000 B/W, tapes, newspaper articles etc. Am appaled that so little info is available about the Peace Bell Tower !!!