Military History Landmarks in NY and the Surrounding Area

By Melissa A. Kay November 11, 2016

The New York area is full of historical landmarks, some of the most notable being those from military history. If your family has a few history buffs, check out this list of Military History Landmarks in NYC and the surrounding area, just in time for Veterans Day.

Rockland County Military Landmarks

DeWint House
20 Livingston Ave.
Tappan, NY
845-359-1359

Pay a visit to the DeWint House in Tappan. This site was used as George Washington’s temporary headquarters on four occasions during the American Revolutionary War. The house is the oldest surviving structure in Rockland County and serves as an example of Colonial Dutch architecture. Various events take place at the DeWint House year-round the house and grounds are open to the public.

Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
44 Battlefield Rd.
Stony Point, NY
845-786-2521

Come explore the historical site of the Battle of Stony Point, one of the last Revolutionary War battles. This is where Brigadier General Anthony Wayne led his corps of Continental Light Infantry in an attack on the British army. Tour the museum and visitor center, see the lighthouse, picnic with the family, and watch the interpretive programs which reenact scenes from military life.

Westchester County Military Landmarks

Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site

897 South Columbus Ave.
Mount Vernon, NY
914-667-4116

During the American Revolutionary War, this Colonial church was used as a military hospital for the wounded. Today, visitors can come by for educational programs and tours. Many special events, lectures, reenactments, and more are held at the site year-round.

Upstate New York Military Landmarks

Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
690 Rte. 9W
Fort Montgomery, NY
845-446-2134

Fort Montgomery was the site of battle during the Revolutionary war for control of the Hudson River. It was built by the Continental Army but taken and destroyed by the British. Visitors are welcome to learn about this military post and visit the museum to see artifacts and weapons from the time.

Crown Point State Historic Site
21 Grandview Dr.
Crown Point, NY
518-597-4666

The Crown Point State Historic Site preserves the ruins of two sites from the colonial wars between the French and the British. Visitors are welcome to come explore the ruins of these forts and visit the museum of large scale models and artifacts from the Revolutionary War. There’s access to the Crown Point Pier and Champlain Memorial Lighthouse as well.

Fort Ticonderoga
100 Fort Ti Road
Ticonderoga, NY
518-585-2821

Fort Ticonderoga is the site of battles that took place in the French and Indian War as well as the American Revolution. Today, visitors can come see live reenactments of battle, tour the museum, and participate in hands-on activities. There’s canoeing in the area as well as hiking trails, a corn maze, and boat cruises. The area provides lots of dining and shopping options and thousands of acres of lush landscape.

Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site
289 Forge Hill Rd.
Vails Gate, NY
845-561-5498

During the Revolutionary War, Maj. Henry Knox, Commander of the America artillery established his headquarters at John Ellison’s home in Vails Gate. Visitors are welcome to come tour the facilities on site. There’s a picnic area and reenactments of happenings during the historical period.

NASH (harbor tug)
1776 Niagara St.
Buffalo, NY

The NASH (harbor tug) is the last surviving U.S. Army vessel that was involved in World War II’s D-Day Normandy landing. This vessel sailed to Great Britain in 1944 during a planned allied invasion to Europe. See the vessel if you’re in the Buffalo area for a true taste of U.S. naval history.

Newtown Battlefield State Park
2346 Co. Rt. 60
Elmira, NY
607-732-6067

Visit the Finger Lakes Region of NY and stop by Newtown Battlefield State Park, formerly known as Newtown Battlefield Reservation. This was the site of the Battle of Newtown fought in 1779, during the American Revolutionary War. Some attractions in the area include the Tollhouse Boat Launch and special tours of the region. Visitors can stay in cabins at the campsites and picnic in the designated areas.

Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
32 Catherine St.
Albany, NY
518-434-0834

The Schuyler Mansion was home to Philip J. Schuyler, the renowned Revolutionary War general, U.S. Senator, and entrepreneur. Temporary exhibitions and public programs for visitors to the site are scheduled year-round. Tour the on-site museum and pay a visit to the gift shop.

Watervliet Arsenal
1 Buffington St.
Watervliet, NY
518-266-5111

The Watervliet Arsenal was founded in 1813 to support the War of 1812. The arsenal continues to be a valuable resource for world-class defense manufacturing. It is the oldest arsenal in the U.S. Visitors are welcome to see the grand facilities and learn about defense.

New York City Military Landmarks

General Grant National Memorial
122nd Street and Riverside Drive.
New York, NY
212-666-1640

Visit the mausoleum which is the final resting place for Ulysses S. Grant, the American Civil War General and 18th U.S. President. Learn about the history of the Civil War and see the tomb which is the largest mausoleum in North America. Take a guided tour and visit the area attractions like the New York Harbor and the Memorial bookstore.

BLDG 92
63 Flushing Av.
Brooklyn, NY
718-907-5992

Visit this former military residence on the grounds of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. BLDG 92 is a small museum which chronicles the history of the former shipbuilding center which, during World War II, employed nearly 70,000 people. There’s a café to enjoy a bite and an 8,000-square-foot exhibition area. Tours are available.

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