Fort Stanwix National Monument New York

Fort Stanwix was built in 1758 and was initially designed to guard a port that was located along a major transportation route. The name of the route that was being guarded was called the Oneida Carrying Place. The Oneida Carry was located between the Wood Creek and Mohawk River and was an important element in transportation from the mid 1500's to the late 1700's. During those times, trade routes were extremely important and integral to normal life and the Oneida Carry had been used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples in the area.

The fort was constructed under the leadership of a British General named John Stanwix. Its construction consisted of a canon platform, earthworks, barracks, and a quarters for the officers. Many artifacts have been unearthed and discovered from that period that allow historians a better idea of what occurred during that time. Although the fort was erected in 1758, complete construction didn't occur until about 1762. Each year 85,000 tourists attend the site to see a piece of New York military history. The national monument is located in Rome, New York and covers over sixteen acres of land.

One of the most important historical aspects tied to the Fort Stanwix National Monument is the treaty that occurred between the British and Iroquois Native Americans. The treaty was issued to define and negotiate what the boundary lines would be between the white settlements and Native American lands. Unfortunately, the Native American Communities and Cultures whose land was negotiated in the treaty actually had no knowledge of the treaty talks at all which prompted further wars and hostilities against Fort Stanwix.

Visitors to the historic fort can learn about the harsh conditions endured by the people along the Oneida Carrying Place, and how an American victory at the fort during the Revolutionary War changed the landscape of New York. Besides the actual Fort, the most prominent place in the park is a facility called the Marinus Willett Collections Management and Education center. The center is 13,700 square-feet of time-lined exhibits, event space, audio and visual presentations. The museum collection has 450,000 objects related to the Revolutionary War and the story of Fort Stanwix. The Ranger on duty offers additional information not available through the museums and presentations. Living history programs are also available and provide hand-on activities and a military drill demonstration. The programs are designed to allow visitors a glimpse in the life of an 18th century solider. The military demonstration shows visitors the struggles and events that happed at Fort Stanwix.

Fort Stanwix National Monument is currently operated by the National Park Service. The Fort was established as a National Monument in 1935, and later designated as a historic landmark in 1966. By the year 2002, a Revolutionary War Heritage Trail had been added to the fort. Fort Stanwix National Monument is open daily from 9AM - 5PM with the exception of major holidays. There is no admission fee to enter the monument.