On Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, the park will be focusing on the British history of the fort during the Fort Stanwix National Monument’s French and Indian War Weekend. A range of activities, including weapons demonstrations, interactive programs, and colonial music, will give visitors more insight into the war that caused Fort Stanwix to be built. Visitors can explore and discover how Fort Stanwix and the Mohawk Valley were involved with this global conflict.
“Visitors might be surprised to see a British flag flying over the fort", said Park Ranger William Sawyer. “By supporting the British military in the area during a world war, Fort Stanwix helped England become a world superpower."
Fort Stanwix was originally built during the French & Indian War, part of a larger conflict that was fought by colonial and European powers across the world. It is largely considered by historians to be the first real world war. Ironically, by helping the British secure a North American victory against the French, American Colonists began to pave the way for what would become the American Revolution.
Fort Stanwix National Monument is open seven days a week. The reconstructed fort is open 9:30 am-4:30 pm each day. The park visitor’s center is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Admission to the park is free. Activities are ongoing unless noted. For more information about upcoming events please call the park at (315) 338-7730. Please visit the park’s web pageat www.nps.gov/fost for additional information about the park and up-to-date news about park events.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service