Orange County Tourism - 2024 logoHistoric Orange County, N.Y., Tourism Sites Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday  and the Facts You Never Knew About its Pivotal Role in the American Revolution

Orange County, N.Y. - As the nation’s 250 anniversary nears, Orange County, N.Y., is celebrating the pivotal, often unsung role it played in the Revolutionary War and America’s birth. Talk about the nation’s independence and many picture New York, Boston or Philadelphia. But the story is not complete without Orange County, which abounds with facts your teacher never told you that helped shape the country we are today.

It was here in Orange County, N.Y., that:

  • A stronghold emerged at West Point, a crucial Hudson River overlook, on the future site of America’s first military academy.
  • The Continental Army strung an enormous chain across the Hudson River to block the British from sailing farther north.
  • General George Washington made his headquarters in Newburgh for more than 16 months at the war’s end.
  • The Continental Army spent its last Winter and Spring at the massive New Windsor Cantonment.
  • Washington issued the cease fire order to end the war, rejected the idea of an American monarchy and created the badge that would inspire the purple heart.
  • The Newburgh Conspiracy threatened turmoil in the nascent country until Washington quelled it with his deft touch.

For a deeper appreciation of how our nation began – and a weekend of fun, farm-fresh foods and welcoming accommodations – plan your visits to our county and its numerous historical sites today.

Find information on Orange County’s Revolutionary sites at pickocny.com/America-250/. Here are just a few of the educational attractions and destinations you’ll enjoy:

  • The U.S. Military Academy at West Point. More than 20 years before the nation’s first military academy opened here, West Point was a stronghold for the Continental Army overlooking the Hudson River. From here, the Great Chain, weighing 65 to 75 tons, was stretched across the river to block British ships from sailing farther north. West Point also features a comprehensive museum tracking the Academy’s deep and impactful history.
  • Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site. The Newburgh site served as General George Washington’s final wartime headquarters from 1782–1783, where he quelled the Newburgh Conspiracy and helped shape the peaceful transition of power that defined our young nation. Confirm hours of operation before planning your visit.
  • New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site: At this reconstruction of the Continental Army’s final military encampment, costumed interpreters demonstrate daily during the war. Washington moved his northern army – 7,500 soldiers plus 500 women and children – to the site in October 1782. From here, Washington issued the cease-fire order, ending the War of Independence on April 19, 1783.
  • Purple Heart Hall of Honor: The hall is located at the New Windsor Encampment, where Washington bestowed a new honor – and purple cloth Badge of Merit, the eventual inspiration for the Purple Heart badge, established in 1932.

With these sites and more, your readers will find the fun, engaging historical sites that can rekindle pride in the nation and deepen an appreciation of the American story. Visitors come for the day, or stay for a long weekend in welcoming accommodations, some dating to Colonial days. Whichever historic attractions you want to share with readers, Orange County has got you covered. For ideas, information and tools to create your personalized itinerary, visit https://www.pickocny.com.

Media members are encouraged to visit Orange County and request interviews via the contact information below.

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For more information, contact:
Emily Doughty
Focus Media, Inc.
845-576-2215
edoughty@focusmediausa.com