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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 until the end of the war. 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.
Monthly events held at different Dutchess County locations
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. These popular events cover an array of topics that span all different eras of local history. Upcoming programs include "Being German in 18th Century Northern Dutchess" on Sept. 20 at Lasting Joy Brewery in Tivoli; and "Your 1774 Shopping List: Buying and Selling in Pre-Revolutionary Dutchess County" on Nov. 13 at Foster's Coach House Tavern in Rhinebeck. Click here for details.
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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