Fourth of July at Bennington Battlefield

Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, located at 5231 NY-67, Hoosick Falls, NY, will host a unique program on the Fourth of July. A presenter will be on site to portray British Lieutenant-General John Burgoyne and read his blustery manifesto in uniform. The reading will begin at 10:30. After the program, light refreshments will be served and 18th century style toasts offered in support of independence. At the conclusion of the program, guests are encouraged to head to the Battle Monument in Bennington, Vermont for a reading of the Women’s Declaration of Rights and the Declaration of Independence at 11:30 and 12:00 respectively.

Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The path ahead would be long and arduous. Victory was uncertain. In July of 1777 an invading British army drove toward Albany. Hoping to instill fear in the inhabitants of the region, Lieutenant-General John Burgoyne drafted and circulated a proclamation to inhabitants, often referred to as his manifesto. People were warned not to "endeavour to obstruct the operation of the king's troops, or supply or assist those of the enemy" or else they would face terrible consequences. Thankfully, the sentiments of the Declaration prevailed.

Category: Community | History