“A Nest of Tories”:
The Revolutionary War in Dutchess County, NY
June 8, 2024, 10 AM-4 PM
In July 1775, Robert R. Livingston, Jr, wrote from his estate in northern Dutchess County to John Jay in New York City, reporting that “the spirit of toryism is far far from being subdued in this province.” Writing to the New York Provincial Congress in August 1775, Peter DeWitt echoed Livingston’s sentiments, stating that there were many alleged Tories in Dutchess that it would be “a dangerous attempt to quell, suppress, and bring them to reason by force.” Yet by the Autumn of 1776, the county was securely in Patriot hands.
Join Dutchess County Government, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, and history organizations from throughout Dutchess County to explore our contentious Revolutionary War history and learn about plans for the upcoming 250th commemoration cycle of the American Revolution. What made so many Dutchess County, and Hudson Valley, residents choose to side with King George III? How did these divisions affect the development of the Revolution in New York? What challenges from outside forces, including the British Army and their Hessian allies, did the erstwhile patriots of the Hudson Valley face?
This one-day event is an unique opportunity for the Brigade. The site is easily accessible via Route 9, with plentiful parking and modern bathroom amenities in the spacious visitors center. Lunch will be provided for all reenactor attendees. Set up will begin at 9 AM: tents are welcome, but fire pits are not allowed on the property. There will be two firing demonstrations, otherwise ongoing camp life demos, drill, and other standard public engagement exercises are the order of the day.
Highlights for reenactor participants
- One-day event
- Lunch provided by the site
- Explore the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum: tickets are good for two days
- Plentiful Parking
- Modern bathroom facilities
- Tents and canvas welcome
- No fire pits
- Local history organizations will be on hand to answer specific Dutchess County questions
- Two historic weapons demonstrations
- Trades demonstrators are welcome
Address for GPS: 4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538
The living history encampment will take place on the front lawn of the historic Franklin D.Roosevelt Presidential Library, the first in the presidential library system.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum Amenities are available inside the adjoining Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center. Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center
The site is located immediately off of Route 9 in the Town of Hyde Park and can be accessed from multiple exits off of the Taconic Parkway and I-87.
For additional information, contact Will Tatum at wptatum@gmail.
Schedule
9:00 AM: Set Up begins—detailed info on site access will be provided following online registration. Parking in hard asphalt lot guaranteed.
10:00 AM: Site opens to the public
11:00 AM: First Historical Weapons Demonstration1
2:30 PM: Lunch provided by Dutchess County
2:00 PM: Second Historical Weapons Demonstration
4:00 PM: Event ends