Relaxing on a sandy beach taking in the tranquil mountain views, you'd never know Lake George and Lake Champlain were once battlegrounds. You can discover their tumultuous past, and learn more about our state’s key role in military history, at restored forts, museums and historic homes throughout New York.
The French & Indian War
From 1754 to 1763, the
French & Indian War was a fierce contest to gain control of the New World. The British and American colonists fought against the French and Canadians, with Native American allies on both sides. The state’s strategic waterways—Lake George, Lake Champlain, and the Hudson, Mohawk and St. Lawrence rivers—made New York a focal point of the war that changed the course of
history.
Today you can watch battle reenactments, musket drills and other demonstrations at historic sites around the state. Step into history at
Crowne Point State Historic Site in the
Adirondacks;
Old Fort Niagara, just north of
Niagara Falls; Fort Edward on
Roger's Island near
Saratoga Springs; and Lake George’s
Fort William Henry, whose final days were described in James Fennimore Cooper's Last of the Mohicans. In July 2010,
Fort La Presentation in
Ogdensburg will present a commemoration of the War’s 250th anniversary.
The Revolutionary War
Nearly one-third of the battles of the American Revolution took place in New York. In 1775 at
Fort Ticonderoga, Ethan Allen led his troops to victory, while at
Fort Stanwix, Americans stood firm against a British invasion. At
West Point, Benedict Arnold, previously an American hero, became our nation's most infamous traitor. Finally, the
Battle of Saratoga marked the turning point of the
Revolutionary War.
At these and other sites, costumed interpreters portray colonial life and will tell you what it was like to be a soldier in the Continental Army. The exciting period is recreated with demonstrations of canon firing, musket drills and other living history at restored forts and villages throughout the state. You could begin and end your history tour at
Fraunces Tavern in
New York City. Before the war, it was the site of heated debates about revolution. After the American victory, George Washington toasted his fellow officers there.
World War II
Take a tour of the recreated barracks at the
Camp Shanks WW II Museum, in Orangeburg, to get a glimpse of what it was like to be a soldier in the modern era. This camp was the New York embarkation point for 1.3 million soldiers who served during WW II, from 1941 to 1945.
You can learn more about WW II at the
Buffalo/Erie County Naval and Military Park, on Buffalo’s lakefront. Imagine the ship’s history as you board the Destroyer USS The Sullivans, named for five brothers who lost their lives following the Battle of Guadalcanal. Other ships on display include the guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock and the submarine USS Croaker. Along with aircraft and military vehicles, they now serve as museums of history and technology, as well as memorials honoring those who served.
The Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, from 1961 to 1975, thousands of New York State residents served their country in Southeast Asia. More than 4,000 lost their lives or were declared missing in action. The New York State Vietnam Memorial at the
Empire State Plaza in
Albany commemorates their service. Dedicated in 1984, this was the first state Vietnam memorial in the nation. It features a state honor roll, an exhibition gallery, a memorial courtyard and special events.
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration still in use and was the first to honor the common soldier. It was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, General George Washington-- a leader who understood the importance of the individual soldier.
You can hear inspiring stories recorded by veterans at the
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in the
Hudson Valley. It’s located on the grounds of the
New Windsor Cantonment, the final encampment of American troops at the end of the Revolutionary War. Today, the Purple Heart museum takes visitors on a journey through military history with interactive exhibits that explore American heritage, pay tribute to our heroes, and serve as a reminder of the cost of freedom.