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The United States of America will celebrate its semiquincentennial in 2026, marking 250 years since the original 13 colonies became a new nation with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. To commemorate this independence — and the Revolutionary War that was fought to secure it — events will be staged throughout Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley in the time leading up to the 250th anniversary.
Read on to learn more about these upcoming events (check back often, as new events will certainly be added frequently).
While no battles were fought on Dutchess soil, the county was vital to the Patriot cause. The Village of Fishkill was home to one of the largest supply depots for the Continental Army during the war. And after the burning of Kingston by the British in 1777 — in retaliation for the Patriot victory at Saratoga — Poughkeepsie served as the state capital. The Verplanck family homestead at Mount Gulian Historic Site in Beacon served as the headquarters of Patriot General Friedrich Von Steuben toward the end of the war. Interestingly, many Dutchess residents remained loyal to King George III despite the region’s strategic importance and significant contributions to the Patriots' war effort.
Click here to learn more about Dutchess County's role in the Revolutionary War and for details on the many historic sites you can visit.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., at Denning's Point Distillery, Beacon
Raise a glass to history and enjoy an evening where the past comes alive! Denning's Point Distillery presents "Cannons & Cocktails," an evening of local history, local spirits and lively conversation. Host Scott Ramsey and West Point Military Historian Sean Sculley will examine Beacon's Revolutionary War past, uncovering the local stories, the strategic significance, and the role the region played in the fight for independence. Enjoy signature cocktails inspired by the era, including Denning's Point Distillery's exclusive Commander in Chief and Cannonball creations. Located in one of Beacon's historic 19th century buildings, Dennings Point Distillery crafts fine, artisanal spirits from locally sourced grains and fruits, including their award-winning Beacon Bourbon.
Dennings Point Distillery is one of the participating establishments on the Dutchess Tourism Taste Finder Craft Beverage Trail, a digital passport that unlocks perks at some of the finest craft beverage tasting rooms and tap houses in the Hudson Valley. Click here to obtain your pass now!
Dutchess County Historian William P. Tatum III and the Dutchess County Department of History presents this monthly series, which features fascinating historical discussion and delicious cuisine at iconic Dutchess County establishments. The 2025 series will focus on the Real Time Revolution theme of tracing developments in Dutchess County during 1775. Click here for updates. Here are the 2025 dates and locations:
• Friday, March 21, Lasting Joy Brewery, Tivoli
• Wednesday, April 9, Foster's Coach House, Rhinebeck
• Friday, May 23, Lasting Joy Brewery, Tivoli
• Wednesday, June 25, Old Drovers Inn, Dover
• Friday, Aug. 1, Germania of Poughkeepsie
• Friday, Sept. 19, Lasting Joy Brewery, Tivoli
• Wednesday, Oct. 29, Foster's Coach House, Rhinebeck
Saturday, June 14, at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Hyde Park
Save the date! The inaugural RevCon 2024 event was such a big success last June that another one is being planned for 2025! Details are still in the works, but last year's event featured demonstrations of Revolutionary War weapons and camp life, discussions with historians and more. Stay tuned for updates!
Dutchess County kicked off its multi-year commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial with RevCon 2024 on June 8 at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park. Reenactors from the Brigade of the American Revolution were on hand to demonstrate military camp life, tactics, and weapons demos and to answer questions about life in Revolutionary America. Historians discussed Dutchess County’s role in the war at the accompanying history fair.
The following organizations and historical societies participated, showcasing the many layers of Dutchess County’s revolutionary history, including the people, places, and events that tie in with the continuing themes and promises of the Revolution.
With Dutchess Tourism's Commander in Cheers program, you can raise a toast to independence with our version of George Washington, also known as "Tiny George." Hear tales told by George Washington about Dutchess County’s revolutionary endeavors through an augmented reality experience in pubs, restaurants and other locations all over the county. Learn more.
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Stay tuned for updates on more Revolutionary War-themed events!
Click here to learn about Dutchess County's role in the War for Independence. For more travel inspiration, visit our history landing page, summer landing page and event calendar.
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