National Parks With T

Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!

New England Road Trip 2024➤

My friend Patty and I hit the road again in October 2024. Our route took us through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York. Along the way we hit several National Park Service Units and historic sites. On day three, we spent the morning touring Fort Stanwix.

Fort Stanwix➤

Fort Stanwix began taking shape on August 26, 1758, under the direction of British General John Stanwix. Built at the strategic Oneida Carry portage—where travelers transported boats and supplies between waterways—the fort protected a critical link between Lake Ontario and the Hudson River during the French and Indian War. Although construction started in 1758, the bastion-style fort was not fully completed until around 1762. Today, Fort Stanwix National Monument preserves the site with a reconstructed fort managed by the National Park Service.

The fort earned its place in Revolutionary War history during the August 1777 siege. After American forces captured and rebuilt the structure, British troops advancing from Canada attempted to seize it as part of their larger campaign to control the Hudson River corridor. Despite being outnumbered, the American garrison held firm. The British eventually abandoned the siege—an important turning point that contributed to the eventual American victory during the Saratoga campaign.

Fort Stanwix also played a key diplomatic role. It was the site of the 1768 Treaty of Fort Stanwix between Britain and several Native American nations, and later the 1784 treaty between the new United States government and Native American tribes. Beyond the reconstructed fort, the monument features short walking trails that circle the grounds, including one tracing part of the historic Oneida Carry.

Mysteries, Myths, & Mayhem➤

Since we were visiting in October, we couldn’t resist Fort Stanwix’s seasonal “Mysteries, Myths, & Mayhem” program. As we explored the fort, we gathered clues from different rooms and exhibits, piecing together information to solve a mystery set in 1781, when the fort was known as Fort Schuyler. The interactive format made the history feel alive—rather than simply reading panels, we found ourselves studying details and questioning the rangers. The scavenger hunt took us from the visitor center to the fort, then back out to the gate again. We solved the puzzle and then left for our next destination.

New England Posts➤

Location: 100 N James St, Rome, New York
Designation: National Monument
Date designated/established: August 21, 1935
Date of my visit: October 5, 2024