Nearly 250 years ago, the sounds of cannon fire from Croton Point (then known as Teller’s Point), echoed across the Hudson River. On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the sounds of canon fire and thundering hoofbeats from soldiers on horseback will once again bring history to life at Croton Point Park – as “Revolution on the Hudson!” takes center stage. The free event, produced by Revolutionary Westchester 250, is designed to reignite interest in Westchester’s Revolutionary War history as the 250th Anniversary of American Independence approaches in 2026. Croton Point Park, a 500+ acre park with sweeping views of the Hudson River, is a gem of the Westchester County Parks System. Its open fields and stunning vistas provide an ideal setting for the inspiring reenactments, performances, and campsite demonstrations of Revolution on the Hudson!
Visitors of all ages will thrill to meet generals and spies, soldiers and camp followers, as they walk through British & Continental Army encampments. Famous figures including General George Washington, Ben Franklin, Benedict Arnold and Major André will be on hand. Visitors will witness saber drills from soldiers on horseback, musket drills, fife & drum performances, and cannon demonstrations. The techniques of 18th Century medics will be on display, along with cooking, craft and blacksmithing demonstrations, oxen demonstrations, and more. Children will enjoy spy games and even a petting zoo area of farm animals.
Croton Point Park (then called Teller’s Point) was important in Westchester County’s role in the Revolutionary War. Washington, members of his army and the militia passed the point many times during the war as did the American water guard along the Hudson River. American Colonel James Livingston ordered a four-pound cannon be brought onto the point and, on September 22, 1780, had his men fire on the British ship The Vulture, stranding British spy Major John André after his meeting with American traitor Benedict Arnold. André had to travel over land through the Neutral Ground of Westchester County in his attempt to return the information Arnold had given him to the British in New York City. André was captured en route in Tarrytown New York by three militiamen, foiling Arnold’s intent to help the British attack forts at West Point and gain control of the Hudson River.
The echoes of history will reverberate again at Croton Point Park, but travel will be markedly easier for today’s visitors than in General Washington’s day. Croton Point Park is located adjacent to the Croton Harmon train station on Metro-North’s Hudson Line. Visitors arriving by train will enjoy free shuttle service from the station to Revolution on the Hudson! at Croton Point Park. There is also free parking at Croton Point Park for visitors arriving by car. On-site, food trucks will offer a 21st century respite for hungry visitors, who can picnic along the waterfront and take in the fall views of the Hudson Valley.
Revolution on the Hudson! is supported by Westchester County, the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, the Croton Historical Society, the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and donations to Revolutionary Westchester 250. Revolution on the Hudson! is a free event and advance tickets are not required. More information is available at www.rw250.org or @revolutionarywestchester250 on Facebook and @revolutionary_westchester_250 on Instagram.
