|
|
Fort Stanwix National MonumentTheme(s): Revolutionary War | Native American | |
Description:
Built in 1758 to guard a strategic portage along a major transportation route,
Fort Stanwix stands today as an inspiration to the people of the world. Fort
Stanwix guarded the centuries old Oneida Carrying Place. This strategic Iroquois
Confederacy portage in upstate New York bridged the waterways between the
Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes.
The events that occurred at the site
included the development of European and later American-Indian affairs, the
melding of diverse cultures, and the protection of the Mohawk Valley during two
world wars: the French and Indian, and the American Revolutionary Wars.
During the American Revolution, British military forces were repulsed while
attempting to besiege the fort. American militia and Oneida allies tried to come
to the aid of Fort Stanwix, but were cut off in an ambush at Oriskany,
considered one of the bloodiest engagements of the war. These events directly
contributed to the American victory at Saratoga.
Fort Stanwix is also a site where Americans developed their own sense of Indian
Affairs. Several treaties were negotiated at the site, setting precedents for
future Indian and American treaties and relationships.
Fort Stanwix National Monument maintains an extensive archaeological collection
and a nearly complete reconstruction of the fort.
Designations:
National Monument (August 21, 1935)
Acquisition completed (1973)
Accessibility:
Directly in front of the entrance gate is a handicap temporary parking zone.
Due to the authenticity of the site's reconstruction, accessibility is
limited. The Visitor Center, Museum, and rest rooms are accessible. Natural
lighting is used in the living history areas of the site, resulting in dimly
lit rooms.
Tours of the site for special needs groups and individuals can be arranged
with reservations.
Bus drop off zones are in front of the entrance gate and on the James Street
side of the site. Buses can be parked in city lots across the street.
The site bulletin is available in several foreign languages; Spanish, German,
French, and Italian.
Getting Around:
The entrance gate to the Monument requires a short walk of less than one
quarter mile or 275 meters from the city parking facilities on James Street. For those touring the area by bicycle, a bicycle rack can be found at the entrance gate.
The Monument has 3 short trails that encircle the fort. One of the trails
follows a portion of the Oneida Carrying Place. The other two trails interpret
the events of the siege of 1777.
Park rangers conduct regularly scheduled interpretive programs daily,
averaging 45 minutes long.
Check with the ranger on duty in the Gregg Barracks Visitor Center for times and locations of
all programs offered that day.
Activites:
Educational Programs | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Directions to Fort Stanwix National Monument
Plane:
The nearest airport is Oneida County
Airport, 8 miles south of Rome.
Car:
All
major state routes thru Rome; 26, 46, 49, 69, and 365, pass within sight of
the Monument. To get to Rome from the New York Thruway, take exit 32 at
Westmoreland to Rt. 233 north to Rt. 365 west, following the signs to downtown
Rome. City parking is available within sight of the Monument.
Public Transportation
A bus terminal is within two blocks of the site on Liberty Street. There is an
Amtrak railroad station located within one mile of the site at Lawrence Street
and Route 233.
Attractions:
Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site
Phone:315-768-7224
Herkimer Home State Historic Site
Oneida Indian Nation Shako:wi Cultural Center
Phone:315-363-1424
Johnson Hall State Historic Site
Phone:518-762-8712
Steuben Memorial State Historic Site
Phone:315-831-3737
Nearby Parks:
Saratoga National Historical Park in New York (100 miles)
Women's Rights National Historical Park in New York (100 miles)
|
|
|
|
New York Road Maps (NY Maps)
New York Photos