New Windsor Cantonment
PO Box 207 
Temple Hill Road 
Vail's Gate, NY 12584 
(845) 561-1765
www.nysparks.com/historic-sites/22/details.aspx

Take a fascinating journey in time to the last encampment of the Continental Army, the New Windsor Cantonment. Here, 7,000 troops accompanied by some 500 women and children transformed 1,600 acres of forest and meadows into a substantial military enclave or "cantonment." They practically had carved a village out of the countryside, where they remained from October, 1782 to June, 1783. 

The Cantonment today is the site of a sprawling memorial to these men and women and their fight for freedom. The Visitor Center offers exhibits and an audio-visual presentation on the final phase of the Revolutionary War, when the army was camped here. A very special feature is Cast for War: Artillery of the 18th Century. This is a fascinating exhibit of muzzle-loading artillery, including a light 3-pounder captured by the Americans at the Battle of Saratoga, several bronze guns typical of the French Gribeauval and Valliere systems, a 3 ton warship's cannon, and examples of various projectiles including solid shot, shells, grapeshot, and barshot. 

Visitors will enjoy a recreation of the Von Steuben Camp, and of a Blacksmith Shop. The Temple Building is a reproduction of the original Temple of Virtue, built by soldiers for use as a chapel. It was here that Washington addressed his officers in 1783 to defuse a possible mutiny. 

Military drills and demonstrations take place on the Parade Ground. This includes firing the 3 pounder. Another exhibit, the Continental Soldier in Camp, includes a diorama of troops on the march, an electrified map of the original Cantonment, and other displays depicting routine activities. Artifacts found in excavations of the hut sites are shown. 

The New Windsor Cantonment provides a unique opportunity to learn about the lives of our forefathers, and what was required of them to create our free nation. 

An Educational Program and tour for School Groups begins at 10am and ends at 1:30pm. This includes a visit to nearby Knox's Headquarters. Maximum group size is 55, though smaller groups are preferred. MAKE RESERVATIONS EARLY! 

Note that Living History demonstrations take place during the spring and summer. Call for a schedule. The park and museum are open year-round -- the museum adjoins the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.