Fort Stanwix

https://www.nps.gov/fost/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Stanwix Fort Stanwix was a colonial fortress whose construction commenced on August 26, 1758, under the direction of British General John Stanwix, at the location of present-day Rome, New York, but was not completed until about 1762. The star fort was built to guard a portage known as the Oneida Carry during the French and Indian War. Fort Stanwix National Monument, a reconstructed structure built by the National Park Service, now occupies the site. For centuries, the Oneida Carrying Place, a six-mile portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, served as a vital link for those traveling by water from the ocean to the Great Lakes. When Europeans arrived, nations fought for control of the carry, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America. In this struggle, Fort Stanwix would play a vital role. Take I-90 (NY Thruway) to Exit 33 (Verona-Rome). Turn Right onto Rt. 365 E. Follow Rt. 365, veering left as Rt. 365 merges with Rt 69 at the fork in the road. This will take you over an arterial bridge into the City of Rome. Fort Stanwix NM will be across Erie Blvd. on the right side of James Street. Historic Fort Gregg Barracks A recreation of the historic fort can be found on the grounds of the park. Throughout the year, it is accessible for guided and self-guided programs. During the winter months, it is accessible only on ranger-led programs, weather dependent. Marinus Willett Visitor Center Main visitor center for Fort Stanwix National Monument. See videos about the American Revolution in the Mohawk Valley and learn about the park's archeological collection. A bookstore can be found with souvenirs and books available for different ages. Restrooms are available for your convenience. Which Adventure Will You Choose? A park ranger directs a group of children thorugh the fort. From ranger tours, to walking trails, to exploring history, there's plenty to do at Fort Stanwix! Celebrate the Park! Fort Stanwix at 40 & the NPS Centennial! Children dance, jump, and skip on the parade ground of reconstructed Fort Stanwix. The park is gearing up for the National Park Service Centennial. Find out what's going on and what's already been done! Objects From the Past: Museum Collection Small boxes in rows contain small artifacts, including broken pipes and glass bottles. Learn more about the objects in the park's museum collection. Uncovering the Past at Fort Stanwix A woman digs in a carefully excavated hole. What evidence of the past has been found at Fort Stanwix? Stop through to find out! Fort Stanwix: History Happened Here! Soldiers stand in a neat row holding their muskets. Discover the vital role that Fort Stanwix/Schuyler, the fort that "never surrendered" played in the American Revolution. A Cloudy Day at Fort Stanwix Puffy white clouds billow over log cabin-like walls. An American flag flies on a wooden pole Come and visit the site with a thousand stories flying under the flag! Cold Cream Jar The artifact collection at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects! Would you believe that this plain, white cold cream jar found in Rome, NY has ties to Frank Lloyd Wright, the Wizard of Oz, and the RMS Lusitania? Read about it and other Interesting Artifacts here. A ceramic object with “MODJESKA COLD CREAM, BUFFALO, NY” and “LARKING SOAP CO” embossed on it. Mortar Bombs The collections at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects! This mortar bomb from the Siege of 1777 is just one of them. During the 21 day siege, British troops lobbed hundreds of 4.5 inch "Royal" mortars at the fort! A pocked metal ball with a hole drilled in the side. British Half Penny The collections at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects! This coin is just one of them. When archeologists found this British half-pence (or half-penny), it was located in the remnants of a wood lined cellar of the British Barracks of Fort Stanwix. Front and back of an old copper corroded coin, about a half inch in diameter. Imported Ink Bottle The collections at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects! This imported ink bottle is just one of them. Historically, many different kinds of goods were transported in bottles just like this. A close-up of a matte clay bottle with various information imprinted on it. King of Prussia Plate The collection at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects! This plate is unique to the time period of the British occupation and was discovered by NPS archeologists during the 1970s excavation of the fort. A line of ceramic shards with edging on them Proverb Plate The proverb on this plate first appeared in Benjamin Franklin’s popular Poor Richard’s Almanack. These objects were designed for children and were given as gifts for good behavior or reminders for mischief-makers. In both cases, the gifts were meant to teach a lesson. A close up of a painted ceramic image. It says Phoenix Bitters Bottle This bottle was found by archeologists while excavating a privy that was used between 1825 and 1851. A privy is an outhouse, or bathroom, which also served as a garbage pit. In 1851, this privy served the needs of those in three nearby commercial and residential structures. A dark glass bottle with Burgoyne's Campaign: June-October 1777 A plan to divide the Colonies was put into action by the British in 1777. The results of the "Campaign of 1777" went on to change the course of the conflict and helped the fledgling United States to a larger victory. Surrender of General Burgoyne by John Trumbull, 1822. Staffordshire Napoleon Figurine The collections at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects! This tiny statue is just one of them. The nineteenth century was a time of great energy and industrial expansion in both England and America. Consumers began to collect material goods and became eager consumers of knick-knacks and other decorative objects such as pottery. Tiny ceramic man. His hat is triangular, his right hand is stuck in his jacket near his chest. Gothic Pickle Bottle The collections at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects! Pictured here is a mid-19th century pickle bottle discovered during archeological excavations at the fort in the 1970s. Its side panels feature a gothic style “cathedral” design. Its top features a wide opening designed for retrieving its content with ease. A cloudy glass bottle with cracks and a few pieces missing. “Frozen Charlotte” The collections at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects! The bottled “Frozen Charlotte” doll is a fascinating object to look at but also brings up questions that we have yet to answer. A close-up of a white ceramic figurine inside of a clear glass ball. Armistice Day Ceremony at Fort Stanwix On the 11th hour, of the 11th month, of 2018, Fort Stanwix National Monument joined the world in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. 2 men stand on a grassy wall. One holds a drum. A second in a black cape, plays a bugle. Fort Stanwix Makes Baby Bison an Honorary Junior Ranger National Park Rangers from Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome, NY went to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse to visit baby bison Madison on his 2-month birthday. New 3D Technology Utilized for Preservation Using 3D technology of the future, Fort Stanwix National Monument and Dr. Michael "Bodhi" Rogers to preserve the past. In June of 2018, a fireplace hearth, the only structure left visible from the original fort, became the first artifact scanned using this technique. A man sits in a small wooden boxy area. A laptop on his knees, a crumbled brick hearth by his feet. Escutcheon Plate The collections at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects! This portion of an British musket is just one of them. It was uncovered by archeologists in the Sally Port of Fort Stanwix during excavations in the 1970s. Front and back of a thin metal triangular object with pocks and engraving on the surface. Patriots' Weekend 2018 Patriots' Weekend at Minute Man National Historical Park for April 2018. John McConnell leads march of patriot and redcoats to North Bridge, Concord, MA. Erie Canalway NHC Hosts World Canals Conference From September 24 to 28, delegates from around the world convened in Syracuse, NY to discuss the many facets of canal development, and to learn firsthand about the engineering and economic marvel that is the Erie Canal. Erie Canalway NHC hosted the 2017 World Canals Conference "Curiosities" & Natural History Objects The museum collection at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects! The geologic objects uncovered by NPS archeologists can be grouped into three categories of curiosities, building materials, and sediments. The following describes two of the more interesting and uncommon curiosities. A pentagon shaped crystal object about an inch across. Powderhorn Powder horns were often decorated with engravings, many of which depict maps like the one seen on this powder horn. These maps usually provided a basic geography of an area. This powder horn shows the Hudson River from New York City to Canada. A powder horn with etchings on it, including rivers and the fort. Veteran Story: Dael Sumner Dael Sumner was a U.S. Marine. Currently, she works as a seasonal Park Ranger at Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome, NY. This is her story. Two people dressed as continental soldiers stand next to each other in a green field. Fort Stanwix Cultural Landscape Fort Stanwix is a reconstruction of how the original fort may have appeared in 1777. A National Historic Landmark, the significance of the fort is associated with events of the American Revolution. It was reconstructed as an earth and timber-clad reinforced structure on the site of the original fort. Although built on the same site, the new fort is surrounded by urban development where woodlands once stood. A colored sketch of the reconstructed fort, with four pointed corners Archaic Lamoka Projectile Point Fort Stanwix was built upon a hill that had been visited by American Indians long before the arrival of the Europeans. These prehistoric visitors left behind no written evidence, but only artifacts of their culture beneath the ground. When archaeologists excavated Fort Stanwix in the 1970’s, they discovered these sparse clues in addition to the historic fort. Projectile point shown with some chipped and refinished edges. German Porcelain Candy Dish This 20th century porcelain, spade-shaped candy dish was made some time between 1900 and 1912. It was recovered by NPS archeologists during excavations in the yard area of a business called J.G. and Company. A faded seal painted carefully on a piece of porcelain. Dr. Kilmer's Medicine Bottle This bottle was found during archeological excavations at Fort Stanwix. Its front features the words “THE GREAT DR. KILMER'S SWAMP-ROOT KIDNEY LIVER & BLADDER REMEDY” inside of an embossed image of a kidney. While this bottle may seem mundane and unassuming, it tells the story of a company whose founder’s vision was corrupted and exploited by his very own family. Large medicine bottle, rectangular with embossed sides. Welcome to 1935, The Year That Created a National Monument The world’s economy is struggling. Large numbers of Americans are unemployed. The country is reeling from a long hot summer with powerful storms. Americans are debating government economic stimulus initiatives and Social Security. Does this sound familiar? However, there is a catch! This does not describe today, but 1935 when Fort Stanwix National Monument was established. Learn more about this fateful year here. The southeast corner of the fort reduced to only an old cannon and a historic marker plaque. "What's in a name?' or "That which we call a rose" "Fort Stanwix" was not always the name of the fort that sits in Rome, NY today. "Fort Stanwix" was not even the American name of the fort! Learn about the significance of it's historic names and how the modern name for this historic location was chosen. A NYS historic marker. It reads: Rome. March 4th 1796. Tales of Fort Stanwix: Research from the 1920s Throughout the early 20th Century, a series of works on the history of Fort Stanwix/Schuyler were created. Plays, poems, and textbooks were all written to showcase the history of the location as the nation's 150th anniversary celebrations began. The cover page of an old book. "The Treaty of Fort Stanwix, 1784...by Henry S. Manley." 75 Years - Thank You to The People who Refused to Forget: 1935-2010 In the year 2010, Fort Stanwix celebrated it's 75 anniversary of as a national monument. It's creation was due in large part to the City of Rome, NY, and its people who preserved its memory. An old newspaper with the headline Here’s to the Red, White, & Blue!!! Did you know it was once believed that the American flag first flew over the walls of Fort Stanwix/Schuyler? For years, compelling evidence led many to this conclusion. It was even written in history books! However, the evidence compiled over the years has disproved this idea. But the origins of it remain an intriguing mystery! An american flag flying from a wooden flagpole. The 150th Anniversary of the 1777 Campaign: "A Day of Days at the Oneida Carrying Place" In 1927, the nation was celebrating its 150th anniversary. The events that took place in Rome, NY that year set the stage for the remains of the historic fort to become a national monument. A man in a crisp white uniform stand on top of a miniature wooden fort addressing a crowd. From Memory to Monument: For the past 40 years, Fort Stanwix has stood as a reconstruction nestled in the heart of Rome, New York. The road to reconstructing the 18th century past was led by members of the Rome community and forever changed the City of Rome. Two men kneel over a dirt pit lined with bricks. The 1777 Siege of Fort Schuyler The siege of the fort began officially on August 3, 1777 when the British sent their first surrender demands to the fort, and would continue through the next 21 days. An advanced party of the British force had arrived on August 2, in an attempt to intercept supplies heading for the fort. A view of the fort wall as seen over the back of a six-pound, field-piece cannon. The Van Schaick Expedition - April 1779 In January of 1779, eight neutral Onondaga chiefs decided to cast their lot with the Oneida and Tuscarora. Only the Oneida and Tuscarora Nation were recognized by the Americans as allies. The Onondaga Nation claimed their overall stance to be neutral, but in addition to the neutrals there were pro-American and pro-British factions as well. An old NYS history marker: Treaty and Land Transaction of 1784 The American Revolutionary War in states such as New York, and North and South Carolina was brutal. This is because of the nature of the wars fought in these states. The wars fought in these states were civil wars. The colonial/state citizens as well as members of the American Indian nations chose sides fought against each other. Years of pent up animosities were unleashed on each other. An old parchment document with cursive handwriting, red wax seals, and signatures crowded onto it. 1768 Boundary Line Treaty of Fort Stanwix Nicknamed "the Fort Stanwix Land Lottery and Sweepstakes Treaty" by James H. Merrill in his book Into the American Woods: Negotiations on the Pennsylvania Frontier, the 1768 Boundary Line Treaty of Fort Stanwix was controversial before the ink dried on the parchment on November 2. Four papers with cursive handwriting and ink smudges crowded on them. The Oneida Carry and Its Early Fortifications: 1755-1757 The Oneida Carry was the English name for the portage path between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek. The carry was a part of the major water route between New York City and Canada. It was between one to six miles in length depending on the season of the year. Men in bright red jackets and tartan kilts stand facing a man sitting at a table. The Six Nations Confederacy During the American Revolution The Five Nations, comprised of the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk, united in confederation about the year A.D. 1200. This unification took place under the "Great Tree of Peace" and each nation gave its pledge not to war with other members of the confederation. Around 1720, the Tuscarora nation was admitted into the league as the sixth member. Confederacy members referred to themselves as "Haudenosaunee," which translates to "The People of the Longhouse." Three men stand in elaborate clothing with feathers and paint adorning their heads The Palatine Germans The Germans that would eventually settle the Mohawk Valley came from the Rhine Valley River region known as the "Palatinate." The name arose from the Roman word "Palatine," the title given to the ruling family of the area when it was part of the Holy Roman Empire. With the outbreak of the Thirty Years War in 1618, came 96 years of sporadic fighting and wars that would leave the Palatinate destroyed. People in period clothing dance in lines. The Oneida Nation in the American Revolution The Oneida were one of the individual Nations of the powerful Six Nations Confederacy. The "Oneida Carry," where Ft. Stanwix was built, was located in traditional Oneida lands. Man in traditional Oneida clothing; flowing red cape, feathers on his head, & leather leggings. The Clinton-Sullivan Campaign of 1779 The American destruction of the Six Nations' homelands came as a result of the destructive raids carried out by the Indians and American loyalists on the frontiers of New York and Pennsylvania in 1778. The raids crippled the American Continental Army by depriving it of food and manpower, and spread terror by destroying frontier settlements and taking prisoners. This forced the settlements to be abandoned for a time, if not indefinitely. An old map with rivers and two larger lakes at the centerpoint. State of New York Treaties and Land Transactions with the Oneida, Onondaga, and Cayuga Less than a year after the 1784 Treaty of Fort Stanwix was concluded the State of New York began negotiating a series of treaties and land transactions with the Oneida, Tuscarora, Onondaga and Cayuga Nations. A beaded belt arched over a table. Rough figures of humans holding hands adorn it. Treaties of the Fort The history of Fort Stanwix, from first contact through the end of the fort's useful military life, symbolizes the broader contest of nations (European, United States and American Indian) for economic and political control of the Oneida Carrying Place, the Mohawk Valley, the homelands of the Six Nation Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America. A map of the northeastern continental United States with native place names written across it. The Battle at Oriska The Battle of Oriskany occurred on August 6, 1777, when the local Tryon County Militia attempted to come to the relief of the besieged Fort Schuyler (Stanwix). On July 30, 1777, the militia's commander, General Nicholas Herkimer, had ordered his men to begin assembling at Fort Dayton (located in the modern Herkimer area). Men in 18th Century-style soldiers uniforms stand shoulder to shoulder firing muskets. Early New York State Waterways & the Inland Lock & Navigation Company The Erie Canal was simply the last “technological update” to an already existing water route linking eastern and western NY. A series of waterways (Hudson River, Mohawk River, Wood Creek, Oneida Lake, Oswego River) served to link Albany with the Great Lakes region prior to the coming of the Erie Canal. A black and white print of a river with two long boats. Each boat has several men paddling them. Fort Schuyler (Stanwix) in the American Revolution: 1776-1781 Though Fort Stanwix was situated in New York, people from many states helped to rebuild and defend it during the American Revolution. Because of this the fort served not only as an important military post, but also as a place where people from 13 very different states began to forge a national identity. A dark night. A fort embrasure is lit up by an exploding cannon. A fireball flies from the muzzle. The McCarty Family & the Siege of 1777 Often we only think of war in the terms of the battles and generals involved. But did you know that during one of the most violent and frightening actions that ever occurred at Fort Schuyler/Stanwix, a child was born? On August 21, 1777, in the middle of a military siege, the McCarty's, a regular Continental soldier and his wife, welcomed a baby girl into world. A woman in 18th C garb holds a little baby in front of her. The child has pudgy limbs. Tree of Peace Traditional Mohawk Chief Jake Swamp created the Tree of Peace Society in 1982 to commemorate the Great Law of Peace. His organization planted White Pines all over the country. On April 29, 1988, the Iroquois returned to Philadelphia to plant a White Pine by the First Bank of the United States. White Pine tree with night watch box in background. A small fence with other trees can be seen. National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map Embossed Cornucopia Flask This flask from the Fort Stanwix National Monument collection features a cornucopia overflowing with vegetables and other plants embossed on its dark green glass. The bottle was found in a privy in the Northwest Bastion of the fort. A thick glass flask with a triangular chip on each side. Embossed in the middle is a cornucopia. Johnny Cakes or Hoe Cakes Whether you know them as Johnny Cakes or Hoe Cakes, it seems as if everyone had a favorite recipe for these pan-fried corn cakes – General Washington even served them at Mount Vernon. Where do the curious names come from? Round, stiff, pancake-looking patties with irregular edges. Scottish Shortbread & Gunpowder Tea Shortbread was one of the many decadent foods saved only for special occasions during the 18th Century. Learn about where it came from and how to make it here. Small cookies and a tea pot sitting on an elk hide. Polish Hanukkah Apple Cake The Jewish community established itself in the colonies as early as 1654, when refugees from Brazil immigrated to Manhattan. By the American Revolution, there were Jewish communities in most of the 13 colonies, with the largest population in Newport, Rhode Island. The festive cake recipe here is not 17th Century, but could easily be replicated using ingredients available to the colonies during that time period. A bundt cake on a tablecloth. Next to it, a single lit candle. Dutch Speculaas Cookies As a Dutch colony, New York homes had the potential of smelling fantastic during the winter holiday season. Since many of the spices used in Speculaas were quite expensive at the time, families might only be able to make small batches of this tasty treat, especially in areas far from commercial ports and easily accessible cities, such as New York City and Albany. Four small round cookies sit on a plate. Next to them, large wooden shoes filled with apples. Abigail Adams’ Apple Pan Dowdy There were many Germans in the Mohawk Valley of NY, as well as apple trees. So this is a dish that could’ve very easily found its way to a holiday table of one of the many families living along the Mohawk River in the 18th Century. An pie/crumble style food sits in a dish in front of a christmas tree. Series: Festive Foods of the Fort Special holiday foods made life at Fort Stanwix/Schuyler a little more tolerable during the cold winters of the American Revolution. Learn more about the ones that might've been seen and tasted here. A table spread of food, including a cheese wedge, a large meat pie, pasties, and apples. Series: The People of Fort Stanwix Many different people and people groups have traversed the Oneida Carry throughout its history; from natives of the Six Nations Confederacy, to armies, to families and politicians. Learn more about many of these noted individuals and groups in the following series. A statue of a man in Continental Soldier uniform. His hand on his hip hold a sword hilt. Series: The Oneida Carry The Oneida Carry was the English name for the portage path between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek. The carry was a part of the major water route between New York City and Canada. It was between one to six miles in length depending on the season of the year. Map with trails and rivers. Series: The Treaties of Fort Stanwix The history of Fort Stanwix, from first contact through the end of the fort's useful military life, symbolizes the broader contest of nations (European, United States and American Indian) for economic and political control of the Oneida Carrying Place, the Mohawk Valley, the homelands of the Six Nation Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America. The following web pages focus on treaties and land transactions negotiated and concluded at Fort Stanwix. An old parchment paper document. In the top margin Series: The Military History of Fort Schuyler Although the fort is most famous for it's role in the Siege of 1777, numerous other battles and events happened near and in conjunction with the soldiers of Fort Schuyler. A group of Continental Soldiers stand saluting underneath the American flag. Series: The Momentous History of a Monument How did the "Fort that Never Surrendered" become history not just once, but twice? The following series goes into detail about the memorial of a historic site and the creation of a historic national monument, as well as all the celebrations along the way. An overhead view of a four-pointed wooden building with a trail and a large lawn surrounding it. Series: Curious Collections of Fort Stanwix, The Oneida Carry Era The collection at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects. These include objects, archives, and artifacts from at least 3,000 years of history! Learn about some of the more ancient, unusual, and unique ones from the time of the Oneida Carry in this series of “Curious Collections.” A powder horn with etchings on it, including rivers and the fort. Virtual Siege 1777 On August 3, 1777, Fort Schuyler (the American name for Fort Stanwix at the time) was attacked by a British Allied force. The events detailed here are drawn directly from the journals of the participants of this siege. Five men stand around a cannon, firing at the fort. Smoke flies from the front of the barrel. The 1st New York Regiment of the Continental Line 1776-1783 The regiment that came to be known as the 1st New York was actually authorized as the 2nd NY Regiment of the Continental Line on May 25, 1775. They were assigned to the Northern Department in Albany, NY with 10 companies from Albany, Tryon, Charlotte, and Cumberland Counties. After a year, Colonel Goose Van Schaick was designated as commander. Continental soldiers with packs on their backs that say Scottish Highland Regiments in the Mohawk Valley 1758-1760 Did you know that the first soldiers to garrison Fort Stanwix were Scottish highlanders? Their occupation began in 1758. A line of men in kilts and bright red jackets holding muskets. The 3rd New York Regiment of the Continental Line 1777-1781 The 3rd New York Regiment that defended Fort Schuyler (Stanwix) against the British in 1777 had been reorganized and established from other New York Regiments on January 26, 1777. Two Continental Soldiers stand holding their muskets with bayonets. Irish Potato Pudding A tasty 18th Century dish with more than a few expensive ingredients, potato pudding is something that might've been saved to enjoy during a special occasion. A small round heap of potatoes, a pitcher of milk, bread, and a candle Siege 1777: The Garrison of Fort Schuyler Like their British counterparts, the different units that made up the American garrison of Fort Stanwix and Herkimer’s militia at Oriskany came from a wide range of areas, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. Men from the middle states and men from New England held vastly different ideas as to the running of local governments and the perceived “superiority” of the upper classes. 2020 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service Each year nearly 300,000 volunteers across the National Park Service (NPS) donate more than 6.5 million hours of service, for a value of more than $185 million. Through their extraordinary work and dedication, these volunteers make an exceptional contribution to their parks and communities. We are pleased to congratulate the national recipients of the 2020 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Photo of Tom and Karen Hartley dressed in period clothing standing and smiling outdoors. Experience the Erie Canalway Corridor in 360 Degrees The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is currently undertaking an exciting media project that will expand virtual visits and experiential learning in the region using 360-degree video tours. To do so, the Heritage Corridor is teaming up with local parks and educators, with help from the National Park Foundation’s Open Outdoors for Kids initiative. Aerial photo of vibrant sunset over horizon. Light reflects on canal below in center. Citizen Science in the Digital Age With well over 100 citizen-science based apps now available for smartphones, there is no lack of opportunity for people of all ages and affectations to significantly add to the collective knowledge base about many aspects of the natural world. The phrase “there is an app for that” has perhaps never been more true for natural resource monitoring. Students use microscopes to identify pond species at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP Bioblitz. Fort Stanwix in the French & Indian (Seven Years) War: 1758-1760 While no battles ever took place in and around the Oneida Carry after Fort Stanwix was built, the fort and carry served as important travel and supply bases for British expeditions against the French in 1758, 1759, and 1760. Several men in varying red uniforms walk in formation outside the fort wall. Series: Native History of the Oneida Carry Many Native Americans lived and died in the vicinity of the Oneida Carry. Tribes, families, and individuals were often pulled in different directions as the European world invaded theirs. Learn more of this history here. Overhead of an old map with a large fence, shaped like a hexagon with little buildings inside. The 1st NY Orderly Book The Orderly Book of the 1st NY Regiment, a historic military journal related to the happenings at Fort Schuyler in 1778 and 1779, was donated to the park in the early 2000s. The following is the story of how this special artifact was preserved for future generations.  An old rectangular book with yellowed, dirty pages that are torn and chewed along the edges. The Anatomy of A Fort Just how was Fort Stanwix constructed and by who? And just what are all those pointy things for? Watch here to find out. From the corner of a wooden picket fence, you see the fort walls rise beyond the fence. Captain Basil Hall Chamber Pot If you were unpopular in the past, chances are your face would end up at the wrong end of your neighbor's business. In the following article, find out just who Basil Hall was and why his image ended up in the toilet, literally! A large bowl with a handle. It has a decorative edge and a portrait of a man on the interior. A Timeline History of the Oneida Carry The history of the Oneida Carry, an ancient portage trail, spans several centuries, countless historic events, and many different cultures. These are just a few of those connections. A sketch of a river with rapids and minor falls coming through a rocky outcrop. Grenadier's Match Case This unique archeological find was misidentified upon its discovery in the remains of the historic Fort Stanwix. It tells the story of elite British soldiers but its owners are unknown. A slightly squished metal tube with holes in the sides and a pointed end. Roseboom Ledgers Spanning nearly 20 years during the mid-18th century, the pages provide a glimpse into the Roseboom's military, trade, and personal experiences with the people they encountered between 1757 and 1775. A tattered old page with fading handwriting in ink. Cycle the Erie Canal – Trails in New York State Cycle the Erie Canal is an annual event where hundreds of cyclists travel 400 miles across the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor from Buffalo to Albany in upstate New York. Three cyclists on a bridge looking at a waterfall. Volunteer Excellence at Fort Stanwix National Monument A short video series on volunteer experiences at Fort Stanwix National Monument; its members and their work, the history, and their achievements. A young girl smiles at the camera, wearing an old dress, her hair blows in the wind. The Key to the Continent: Early Military History of the Oneida Carry For centuries the Haudenosaunee people, including the Oneida Indian Nation, utilized a narrow strip of land situated between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek. It is here where the waters of the Mohawk flow east to Albany, the Hudson River, and New York City while those of Wood Creek flow west to Oneida Lake, Oswego, and Lake Ontario. The Oneida Carry was a land portage two to four miles wide that people could carry their canoes between the two waterways with relative ease. Old map with a trail drawn next to a river. Drawings of several small forts are placed along-side. Series: Curious Collections of Fort Stanwix, The 19th & 20th Centuries The collection at Fort Stanwix National Monument contains nearly 500,000 objects. These include objects, archives, and artifacts from at least 300 years of history! Learn about some of the more unusual and unique ones in this series of “Curious Collections.” These particular objects date to the post-Fort Schuyler era, and include objects from the canals and items left behind by early residents of what would become Rome, NY A close up of the portion of a key known as the Peter Gansevoort Portrait Gansevoort was the commanding officer at Fort Stanwix during the August 1777 siege who famously wrote that he would “defend this fort and garrison to the last extremity.” The portrait was painted by Cuyler Ten Eyck, a man descended from another prominent Dutch family in New York, and donated to the park by descendants of both men in 2013. An older man in a neat Continental soldier's uniform stands posed with his hand on his hip. Archaic Brewerton Projectile Point This Brewerton corner-notched projectile point was recovered during the 2003 archeological excavation that preceded the construction of the Willett Center. Dating to the Archaic period (9,000 – 3,000 BP), the point represents Native Americans’ use of the land around Fort Stanwix prior to contact with Europeans. A chipped stone object with jagged edges and a sharp point. Bone Buttons & Manufacturing Tool These bone buttons, a cow rib bone from which buttons were cut, and the bit used to make them are poignant reminders that Fort Stanwix in the 18th century was the frontier and that in order to survive in such a place, you had to do things yourself. A rough shaped disc button with a ragged edge. Room Keys from the Stanwix Hall Hotel In 2003, the site of the Stanwix Hall Hotel was investigated for archeological resources. The hotel building itself had been destroyed in the 1970s in advance of the reconstruction of Fort Stanwix. The rear courtyard or work area was preserved and was the focus of the archeological study. The most important find at the Stanwix Hall Hotel site was the intact hotel privy. The privy was the dumping place for the contents of chamber pots, and for some of the hotel refuse. A close up of a "key bit;" the portion of a skeleton key that is placed in the keyhole. Nicholas Herkimer's Field Desk This field desk once belonged to General Nicholas Herkimer of the Tryon County Militia and could have been the desk he used in the days leading up to the ill-fated Battle of Oriskany. An old, clunky looking, wooden box with cracked surfaces. Children's Toys Many residential homes from the 19th and 20th Centuries sat on top of the remains of the historic Fort Stanwix. With in the yards and privies, toys of all kinds were discovered during archeological excavations. These are just a few. Four small and colorful glass sphere, about the size of a walnut. Animal Bones Thousands of animal bones were found at Fort Stanwix. Some were the remains of food, others livestock and pets. These are just a few examples. A smallish, yellowing skull with a large muzzle and canine teeth. Jesuit Ring This heart-shaped ring was one of thousands used for trade, gifts, and religious purposes as French missionaries, explorers, and merchants spread through North America. They are often found in locations where the French and native cultures came together; areas like the Oneida Carry. A small, pitted metal ring, with a heart-shaped plaque on it. The plaque has faded etchings on it. Spanish Coins These Spanish coins found at the remains of Fort Stanwix/Schuyler would not have been used by conquistadors, nor anyone else of Spanish descent. Click here to find out why it would've been used in New York. A front and back view of an old coin with pitting and a man's face in profile on it. African Descended Soldiers at Fort Schuyler & in the Mohawk Valley Say their names. These (out of thousands) are the names of men who were verified to have served in military units associated with American Fort Schuyler and therefore, the most likely to have served at the fort or in the Mohawk Valley at some point during the war. A drawing of a soldier stands at attention in a neat uniform and musket at his side. Women of the Continental Army A great many women took part in the Revolutionary War. During the conflict, a handful of women disguised themselves as men to serve as soldiers. However, the vast majority of them assisted behind the scenes and played a critical role in the success of their men and soldiers. This is their story. A woman in 18th C garb stands in a doorway, looking out to the distance. The 4th NY Regiment of the Continental Line, 1777-1780 The 4th New York Regiment that served to the end of 1780 was organized in January of 1777 from the remnants of various regiments raised for the 1775 Canadian invasion and short lived 1776 regiments. By the end of the war these men had the distinction of being present at the surrender of two British Armies: Burgoyne at Saratoga in 1777 and Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. 3 Continental Soldiers stand at ease with their muskets resting on in their hands in front of them. The Battle of Oriskany: "Blood Shed a Stream Running Down" (Teaching with Historic Places) By the time of the Revolutionary War, Dutch, German, Irish, Scotch, and British settlers prospered from lucrative trade and productive farms. Yet the whole area suffered from long-established prejudices and hatred between groups and individuals. When war broke out, European Americans and American Indians fought each other for control of New York's political power, land, and commerce. No episode better captures the brutal civil war than the Battle of Oriskany. Painting of a battle scene. The Mystery of Object FOST 8998 Just what is object FOST 8998? Is is a type of military ammunition? A nail? And what was it used for? Learn a little bit more about this mysterious object here. What looks like a metal marble, cut in half with each half joined by a Mustache Cups: Fancy Function or Frivolousness? These oddball objects have more recently been described as "sippy cups for men." But mustache cups were all the rage in the late 1800s, proving that men's style has never been out of fashion. A dainty looking porcelain tea cup with a curved shield-like object attached over the rim. April 8, 2024: 99.96% Eclipse Day at Fort Stanwix On Monday, April 8, 2024, a deep-partial solar eclipse shadowed the grounds of Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome, NY. This amazing occurrence is the last time the park will see such a complete solar eclipse until the year 2079! As such, the scientific data collected during the day has been preserved for posterity on the following page. A view of an American flag on a pole. The dark, clouded sky behind casts an eerie shadow on it. French Alliance Day The Continental Army's alliance with France was formalized and celebrated during the Valley Forge encampment. outdoors, soldiers, cheers, hats