West Point, NY

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Jun

Guided TourFeatured

Constitution Island Living History and Garden Tours

Constitution Island, West Point, NY

Seasonal guided tours of Constitution Island, the fortified island in the Hudson River directly across from West Point where the Great Chain was anchored during the Revolution. Programs include exploration of Revolutionary War-era ruins and redoubts, the Warner House, and heritage gardens. Special programming often highlights the island's critical role in the river defense system designed by Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

Varies; donations encouragedTours typically offered from June through October on select days. Reservations required; access is by boat from West Point. Contact the Constitution Island Association to confirm schedule.More info →

Jun

Reenactment

Fort Putnam Living History Weekend

Fort Putnam, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY

Annual living history program at the restored Revolutionary War fort overlooking West Point. Costumed interpreters portray Continental Army soldiers manning the fortification, with demonstrations of 18th-century military life, musket drills, and discussions of the fort's role in defending the Hudson River. Fort Putnam, originally built in 1778, is one of the best-preserved Revolutionary War fortifications in the country.

FreeFort Putnam is typically open seasonally from late May through November; specific living history weekends vary by year. Contact the West Point Museum or USMA Visitor Center to confirm dates.

Jul

Guided Tour

Trophy Point and Great Chain Heritage Tours

Trophy Point, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY

Guided walking tours at Trophy Point where massive links of the Great Chain are displayed — the 1,500-foot iron chain that was stretched across the Hudson River to block British warships. Interpreters explain the engineering feat, the strategic importance of controlling the Hudson, and the contributions of Polish engineer Thaddeus Kosciuszko who designed the West Point fortification system. The site also features the Battle Monument honoring Civil War dead and panoramic views of the Hudson Highlands.

FreeWalking tours available seasonally, typically spring through fall. Special Independence Day weekend programming may be offered. Contact the West Point Visitor Center at 845-938-2638 to confirm tour availability.

Sep

Lecture

Benedict Arnold's Treason Anniversary Commemoration and Lecture

West Point Museum / United States Military Academy, West Point, NY

Programs and lectures commemorating the September 1780 discovery of Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point to the British — one of the most dramatic episodes of the American Revolution. Events typically include scholarly talks on Arnold's treason, the capture and execution of British spy Major John André, and George Washington's response to the betrayal. Programming is held at West Point venues and occasionally in partnership with nearby Hudson Valley historical sites.

FreeTypically held around September 25, the anniversary of the discovery of Arnold's treason. Contact the West Point Museum or USMA Public Affairs to confirm if programming is scheduled for the current year.

Date

TBD

Exhibition

West Point Museum Exhibits and Revolutionary War Programming

West Point Museum, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY

The West Point Museum, one of the oldest and largest military museums in the United States, maintains extensive permanent exhibitions on the American Revolution including artifacts from the fortification of West Point, the Great Chain links displayed at Trophy Point, and materials related to Benedict Arnold's treason. The museum hosts periodic lectures, special exhibitions, and educational programs focused on the Revolution's Hudson Valley campaigns.

FreeOpen year-round; special Revolutionary War lectures and programs are scheduled periodically. Check the West Point Museum website or call for current programming.More info →