submitted by Ingrid Schaaphok and Liz Wagner, Park Naturalist
On August 16, 1777, in a small hamlet of Hoosick called Walloomsac, a rebel force of roughly 2,000 men under the command of General John Stark decisively defeated a detachment of Germans, loyalists and native allies. This action diminished General Burgoyne’s army by 1,000 men, prevented the capture of important supplies located in nearby Bennington, VT, and set the stage for the American victory at Saratoga.
The Brigade of the American Revolution will be hosting the 237th Anniversary of the Battle of Bennington on the weekend of August 16 and 17 at the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, Route 67 in Hoosick. Authentically attired and equipped living history enthusiasts will bring to life the pivotal actions that took place 237 years ago. German, British and Loyalist troops as well as those representing rebel troops under General John Stark will be encamped on the grounds of the Barnett Homestead.
This year, major portions of the battle will be commemorated at the same time and close to the actual places they occurred. Saturday’s reenactments of the storming of the “Dragoon Redoubt” and the repulse of Breymann’s relief force will take place on the northern side of Route 67 at the top of the so-called “Hessian Hill” beginning at 4 pm. Sunday’s reenactments, including the Battle for the “Tory Fort” will take place on the southern side of route 67, adjacent to the Cottrell farm.
In addition to the tactical reenactments, a full and exciting weekend of activities is scheduled. Visitors are encouraged to tour the camps and experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of 1777 from 11 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday. A Remembrance Ceremony will be held at 5:30 pm on Saturday to commemorate the battle. Watch history come to life as the Brigade of the American Revolution recreates this turning point in our War for Independence.
Event Schedule
All events will be held at the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site in Hoosick. Please note some activities are offered at the Barnett House, 30 Caretaker Road, while others are located at the top of the hill looking out over the historic site on the north side of Route 67.
Saturday
11 am – Camps open to the public and the Story of the Battle Exhibit opens at Barnett House
12 pm – Lunch
1 pm – Meet the People of the Battle of Bennington at Barnett House
1:30 pm – Troops participating in Nichols’ Flanking March depart camp
2:30 pm – Troop formation and safety inspection (Top of Hill)
4 pm – Storming of the “Dragoon Redoubt” (Top of Hill)
4:45 pm – The repulse of Breymann’s relief force (Top of Hill)
5:30 pm – Remembrance Ceremony (Top of Hill)
Sunday
All events held near Barnett House
10 am – Camps open to public
10:30 am – Troop formation and safety inspection
11 am – Stark’s attack over the Walloomsac River
12 pm – Lunch
12:45 pm – Troop formation and safety inspection
1:30 pm – Battle for the Tory Fort
2:15 pm – Pass in Review
For more information, call the Grafton Lakes State Park office at 518-279-1150 or the event coordinator, Peter Schaaphok, at 518-369-0910 or dragoon@taconic.net. All programs are free.