Vermont may be small, but it sure is chock full of history! One historic site in VT, in particular, must not be missed. Calling all history buffs — Mount Independence in Orwell is a sight to behold. It has been called the least disturbed major Revolutionary War site in the country, and this National Historic Landmark is simply wonderful. Let's take a look!
Here is Mount Independence as seen from across Lake Champlain.
It is one of the largest American defenses built during the American Revolutionary War. It's also the best-preserved Revolutionary War archaeological site today.
Pictured is a map of Mount Independence as surveyed by British assistant engineer Lt. Charles Wintersmith in 1777.
After the American retreat on July 5 and 6, 1777, British and German troops occupied Mount Independence until November 1777.
Here you'll find history and nature walks, encampments of Revolutionary War re-enactors, activities for children, and lectures by Revolutionary War historians.
You'll also find them at places like the Tunbridge World's Fair each September.
The museum is wonderful and it chronicles events that took place during the war.
As you look around the site you'll find monuments such as this.
It reads: Mount Independence. Named by troops camped here where they first received word that the Declaration of Independence July 18, 1776.
There are also many memorials hidden about.
It's fascinating to read the plaques, as well as other signs throughout, describing the events and site in more detail.
Construction began in July 1776, following the American defeat in Canada, and continued through the winter and spring of 1777.
Here you see an old foundation of a Revolutionary War-era building
There are also 6 miles of hiking trails here.
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And they are wonderful!
The museum itself is open from late May through mid-October. Now that you know a little more about what you'll find here, be sure to mark it on your calendar to go!
If you enjoy this historic spot in VT, don't miss the 18 historical landmarks you absolutely must visit in Vermont.
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