New York's Former Army Base Is A Historic National Monument With Reconstructed Fort Buildings

As one of America's 13 original colonies, New York is brimming with rich revolutionary history. In fact, nearly one-third of all Revolutionary War battles were fought in the state. Like Fort Ticonderoga between New York and Vermont's mountains, Fort Stanwix, a 45-minute drive from Syracuse, is revered as having been a Continental Army stronghold during the war. When the British forces launched an attack on Fort Stanwix in August 1777, American Troops held them off for three weeks, and Fort Stanwix became known as "the fort that never surrendered."

The area's importance, however, began long before the American Revolution. Fort Stanwix was strategically built in 1758 along the Oneida Carrying Place, an important portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, which was used by the local Haudenosaunee Nation for centuries. For European settlers, it became a crucial trade route between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes

Located in Rome, New York, Fort Stanwix National Monument was established in 1935, and the National Park Service later reconstructed the original fort for the United States' bicentennial in 1976. Today, Fort Stanwix allows visitors to step back in time and learn about its legacy through historical exhibits, self-guided tours, and fun activities for kids, and to enjoy its lawn and walking trails.

Along with the reconstructed fort, an educational visitor center, and surrounding historical landmarks, Fort Stanwix offers visitors self-guided and ranger-led tours of the monument. At the Marinus Willett Center, guests can learn about the lives of local residents in the Mohawk Valley during the American Revolution through exhibits, stories, and artifacts from the area. Guided tours are available in the spring, summer, and fall at the Fort Gregg Barracks. The monument is home to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers of the American Revolution, as well as the Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, which commemorates a crucial turning point in the war.

There are plenty of fun ways for kids to learn some local history as well. At Fort Stanwix, children can step back in time by building their own forts, trying out old toys and games, and playing colonial dress-up. During the summer, daily Hands-On History events recreate historical activities for kids to get involved in. Through the National Park Service Junior Ranger Program, kids can also earn a Junior Ranger badge by exploring the fort and completing activities.

Like Fort Ord, an army base that's now a vast National Monument in California, many historic military bases and forts around the United States are being turned into recreational areas. Fort Stanwix has a short trail, about half a mile long, surrounded by plenty of green space for picnics, weekly events, and summer concerts. The park and visitor center are open in the spring, summer, and fall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and are free to enter.

While driving is the easiest way to get to Fort Stanwix from major cities like Syracuse, there are also daily Amtrak Empire Service trains from Syracuse to Rome. You'll arrive at the station in Rome in 40 minutes, and from there, you can walk 1.1 miles to the fort, stopping to explore Rome's aptly named Little Italy district along the way. The Empire Service from Syracuse to Rome runs twice in the morning between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., with return services at 3:13 p.m. and 6:07 p.m., making for a simple and fun day trip. 

The surrounding area has plenty to do as well if you're spending a long weekend in Rome, New York. Fort Stanwix sits right next to the Mohawk River Trail, which is roughly 4 miles long and passes several historical sites and through unique neighborhoods along the waterfront, providing beautiful views of the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. Considering Rome is such a historic city, there are plenty of attractions to learn about its heritage, like the Rome Historical Society and the Sears Oil Co. Museum. A trip to Fort Stanwix National Monument could easily be paired with a day at Sylvan Beach, a beautiful New York beach perfect for a lakeside vacation, which is less than a 30 minutes' drive away from Rome.