You may have heard of the terrible winters that Washington's Continental Army suffered at Valley Forge and Morristown. Things were no better at Fort Stanwix, where the soldiers endured the hardships of winter with ragged clothing, rotted bedding and blankets, and the knowledge that enemy raiding parties could still attack at any time.
On Saturday Feb. 19, visitors are invited to get a taste of what the winter of 1778 was like as Fort Stanwix National Monument hosts "Wintering at the Fort" as part of its special President's Day Weekend programming. Visitors are invited to join park staff and volunteers to get a hands-on feel for the daily life of soldiers at the fort and to discuss the wintertime hardships they faced and how they endured them.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn the soldier's drill and experience some of the sights, sounds and smells of battle as the soldiers fire their muskets. "Visitors will also be able to try out their fire starting skills," said Park Ranger William Sawyer. "This was a must- have skill in the 18th century, particularly during the winter months." Opportunities will also be available to see musket balls being molded, and to learn the daily schedule of the soldiers through the beat of the drum and tune of the fife. Some programs and demonstrations will be weather permitting. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. and runs through 3:00 p.m.
Fort Stanwix National Monument is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission to the park is free. Activities are ongoing unless noted. For more information about upcoming events please call the park at (315)338-7730. Please visit the park's web page at www.nps.gov/fost for additional information about the park and up-to-date news about park events.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
