Nearly 250 years ago, the sounds of cannon fire from Croton Point (then known as Teller’s Point), echoed across the Hudson River and changed the course of history and America. On Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Croton Point Park, the sounds of cannon 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. Explore British & Continental military camps, meet General George Washington, Ben Franklin, Benedict Arnold and Major André. 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, weavers, crafts people, Lenape skills, oxen demonstrations, and blacksmithing and broom making demonstrations with Peekskill’s very own Tom Hunt of Waterside Forge. Participate in colonial games, colonial dancing, and try your hand at Revolutionary War spycraft. Children can even enjoy a petting zoo area of farm animals. But do not miss the grand finale parade.

Croton Point Park (then called Teller’s Point) was important in Westchester County’s role in the Revolutionary War. Gerorge 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. As a result of the geographical and strategic position of Teller’s Point, American Colonel James Livingston ordered a four-pound cannon be brought onto the point. This is where the American Revolution and the course of history changed, and it all occurred in our own backyard.

On September 21, 1780 British spy Major John Andre conspired and conferred with the American traitor Benedict Arnold in Haverstraw, NY where Arnold handed over the blueprints to West Point, so the British could take it over. At the time, George Washington’s declared West Point was the “key to America.” After their meeting, Joshua Hett Smith and two oarsmen, commissioned by Arnold, silently rowed across the Hudson, where they were to meet with the British Vulture. (All three maintained they had no idea they were being used in service of treason, having only been told that Arnold was gathering intelligence about the British strategy as they had done in the past for American intelligence).

In the meanwhile, American militiamen Jack Peterson and George Sherwood based on Teller’s Point spotted the Vulture and began firing upon the ship with a small four-pound cannon. The Vulture was forced downstream to Tarrytown and the vicinity of Tappan Zee (Mario Cuomo) Bridge. 

With Major Andre separated from his means of escape, the next day, he was forced to cross the Hudson’s up-river landing near King’s Crossing in Verplanck, near Steamboat Dock and what is now part of the Cortlandt Waterfront. (Check out this fantastic video about Verplanck’s Point from RW250). Subsequently, Major André had to travel over land through the neutral grounds of Westchester County in his attempt to escape. Ultimately, with the plans to West Point tucked in his boot, three militiamen, John Paulding, Isaac van Wart and David Williams captured Major Andre in Tarrytown. Thus the course of American history and the American Revolution were changed right here in our very own backyard. And the Cannon that was fired upon the Vulture, sits today prominently displayed in front of the Peekskill Museum.

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 and on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250) is a charitable not-for-profit corporation organized to provide for the observance and commemoration of the pivotal role of Westchester County, NY in the American Revolution, the founding of the United States and related events. RW250 was created to further the purpose of the national Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress in 2016 to commemorate and celebrate the coming 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, 1776-2026.

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