On Saturday, Aug. 19, “Futile Thunder" returns to Fort Stanwix National Monument. Futile Thunder is partof the park’s ongoing program series commemorating the 246th anniversary of the British siege of the fort. A highlight of the program will be cannon firing demonstrations throughout the day. In addition, visitorswill have the opportunity to do hands-on drill on the fort’s cannon to learn the teamwork required to be an artilleryman. Short talks on 18th Century military life will be presented throughout the day and will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“Artillery power could make or break a fort during a siege," said Park Ranger William Sawyer, “Both the American and British forces faced challenges related to inadequate cannons."
The next event taking place at the park is the “Siege Ends Day" on Wednesday, August 23. Throughout the day there will be ranger talks on what is a siege is and how the soldiers of the fort survived it. At 1:30 p.m. you can join a special program and discover how to get through the fort’s defenses. At 2:00 p.m. will be a special flag ceremony and salute.
Fort Stanwix National Monument is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the park is free. For more information about upcoming events please call the park at (315) 338-7730. Please visit the park’s web page at www.nps.gov/fost, or follow us on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram, for additional information about the park and up-to-date news about park events. Fort Stanwix is one of over 400 parks in the National Park System. To learn more about national parks, visit www.nps.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service