Contact Info
Vails Gate, New York 12584
- Phone 1:
- 845-561-5498
Basics
- Type:
- Historical Site,
State Parks
Description
Hours + Fees
Hours:
Friday: 10:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 – 5:00 PM (Last tour at 4:00 PM)
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM (Last tour at 4:00 PM).
**Other times by appointment.**
Details
Additional Details:
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On several occasions during the Revolutionary War, Major General Henry Knox, Commander of the America artillery, established his military headquarters at John Ellison's 1754 Georgian-style house in Vails Gate. From October 1782 until the spring of 1783, as 7,000 soldiers and 500 "camp followers" were establishing winter quarters at the New Windsor Cantonment, and General Washington was lodged at Jonathan Hasbrouck's house in Newburgh, New York, Major General Horatio Gates occupied the elegant home from which he commanded the cantonment. Here the army awaited the end of the Revolutionary War that became effective when Washington issued the cease fire orders on April 19, 1783.
For most of the 18th and into the 19th century, the Ellison family had important commercial dealings in milling and trade. From their mill, flour was shipped down the Hudson River to New York City and the West Indies. At present, remains of the mill, with traces of the underground raceway may be visited. Explore how the Ellisons and other families of the mid-Hudson Valley lived 200 years ago.
Knox's Headquarters is located at 289 Forge Hill Road at the intersection of Forge Hill Road and Blooming Grove Turnpike (Route 94) in Vails Gate, NY, just one mile from the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and New Windsor Cantonment. The historic site is open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from Wednesday to Sunday. Wednesday to Friday tours are held at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Saturday at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. On Sundays, tours are held at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Tour, school and camp groups are welcome by advance reservation only. Dates, times, hours of operations and admission fees are subject to change.
*Mailing Address: PO Box 207 Vails Gate, NY 12584
