Fort Stanwix
National Monument
Fort Stanwix
National Monument
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Built in 1758 to guard a strategic portage along a major transportation route, Fort Stanwix stands today as an inspiration to the people of the world. Fort Stanwix guarded the centuries old Oneida Carrying Place. This strategic Iroquois Confederacy portage in upstate New York bridged the waterways between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. The events that occurred at the site included the development of European and later American-Indian affairs, the melding of diverse cultures, and the protection of the Mohawk Valley during two world wars: the French and Indian, and the American Revolutionary Wars.
During the American Revolution, British military forces were repulsed while attempting to besiege the fort. American militia and Oneida allies tried to come to the aid of Fort Stanwix, but were cut off in an ambush at Oriskany, considered one of the bloodiest engagements of the war. These events directly contributed to the American victory at Saratoga.
Fort Stanwix is also a site where Americans developed their own sense of Indian Affairs. Several treaties were negotiated at the site, setting precedents for future Indian and American treaties and relationships.
Fort Stanwix National Monument maintains an extensive archaeological collection and a
nearly complete reconstruction of the fort.
Approximately 55,000 people visit Fort Stanwix National Monument every year. Most visit during the months of July and August when the majority of special events and programs are offered.
Fort Stanwix National Monument is located in downtown Rome, New York, 35 miles east of Syracuse and 20 miles west of Utica.
Fort Stanwix National Monument
112 East Park Street
Rome, New York 13440
315-336-2090
Open daily, 9am to 5pm, April 1 thru December 31; closed Thanksgiving Day and December
25.
Closed January 1 thru March 31.
Summers in central New York tend to be warm and humid, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees F and rainfall averaging 4.5 inches every month. With cloud cover 45 per cent of the time, rain gear is suggested. Visitors often remark how lush and green the area appears.
The spring and fall temperatures varies even more than the summer, ranging from freezing to 70 degrees F. Snow is common as late as May and as early as October. Clothing worn in layers is recommended. The area is noted for its spring bulbs and flowering crab apples, while the fall foliage is spectacular.
Since Fort Stanwix National Monument is one of the most authentically reconstructed forts in North America, it also has plenty of authentic mud. Most activities are outdoors. Good, walking shoes with closed toes and low heels are advised.
Rome can be reached by car, bus, train or plane. If traveling by car, all major state routes thru Rome; 26, 46, 49, 69, and 365, pass within sight of the Monument. To get to Rome from the New York Thruway, take exit 32 at Westmoreland to Rt. 233 north to Rt. 365 west, following the signs to downtown Rome. City parking is available within sight of the Monument.
A bus terminal is within two blocks of the site on Liberty Street. There is an Amtrak railroad station located within one mile of the site at Lawrence Street and Route 233. If traveling by air, the nearest airport is Oneida County Airport, 8 miles south of Rome.
The entrance gate to the Monument requires a short walk of less than one quarter mile or 275 meters from the city parking facilities surrounding the site. For those touring the area by bicycle, a bicycle rack can be found at the entrance gate.
Seven day adult (17 years or older) pass, $2.00 per adult.
Children 16 years or younger are FREE and must have an adult chaperon.
Holders of Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports, are FREE.
Educational groups (with approved fee waiver), are FREE.
16.5 acres
Visitors step back in time when they cross the wooden bridge at the entrance to the fort. Located inside the Gregg barracks, the Visitor Center houses an orientation diorama, a theater and a bookstore. Brochures and event calendars are available FREE.
Just behind the visitor center, people are invited to bridge the past and get a "feel" for archeology at the Discovery Table Exhibit. The 5 minute slide show depicts the archaeological excavation and the reconstruction of the fort. Hundreds of artifacts on display help bridge more than 200 years.
The largest exhibit at Fort Stanwix National Monument is the fort itself. By exploring this Living History Exhibit visitors can experience the sights, sounds, smells and touch of the 18th century and glimpse into the lives and events of the people who lived here more than two centuries ago. The bridge between the past and the future can be crossed, here at Fort Stanwix National Monument.
The Monument has 3 short trails that encircle the fort. One of the trails follows a portion of the Oneida Carrying Place. The other two trails interpret the events of the siege of 1777.
Park rangers conduct regularly scheduled interpretive programs
daily, averaging 45 minutes long.
Check with the ranger on duty in the Visitor Center for times and locations of all
programs.
Special programs provided with the help of Volunteers In Parks:
Hotels and motels are within walking distance of the site. Camping facilities are within a 15 minute drive of the site.
Restaurants, convenience stores, and fuel are all within sight of the
Monument.
Picnicking facilities are NOT available at the fort.
A Park Store is located in the Visitor Center inside the fort. The store offers the area's best selection of technical books on early colonial history and culture, French and Indian War, American Revolutionary War, 18th century military science as well as many books for young readers. The shop also offers maps, posters, videos, musical recordings, reproduction glassware, pottery, children's toys, and musical instruments.
Directly in front of the entrance gate is a handicap temporary parking zone. Due to the authenticity of the site's reconstruction, accessibility is limited. The Visitor Center, Museum, and rest rooms are accessible. Natural lighting is used in the living history areas of the site, resulting in dimly lit rooms.
Tours of the site for special needs groups and individuals can be
arranged with reservations.
Bus drop off zones are in front of the entrance gate and on the James Street side of the
site. Buses can be parked in city lots across the street.
The site bulletin is available in several foreign languages; Spanish, German, French, and
Italian.
Visitors are encouraged to start their experience of Fort Stanwix National Monument on the path to the fort, walking the Great Oneida Carrying Place. Once inside the Visitor Center, visitors receive an orientation from the ranger on duty. After hearing and seeing some of the background history and drama of the events that happened at Fort Stanwix, join a ranger led interpretive program and gain a greater understanding of the struggles these people endured. Visitors have an opportunity to discover their own bridges to the past in the museum. Other activities in the fort include living history programs. These programs are real hands-on activities for visitors. All visitors are welcome to watch a military drill demonstration and experience the blast and smoke of 18th century weaponry. Visitors can enlist and experience for themselves what it must have been like 200 years ago in a wilderness fort. Take a different path back to the 20th century parking and see the fort from a whole new perspective.
Groups of 10 or more people or special needs groups are asked to make reservations by
calling at least two weeks in advance to 315-336-2090, ext. 18.
Off-site programs can be arranged by calling 315-336-2090, ext. 18.
To arrange permits for special uses and commercial filming, please call 315-336-2090, ext.
17.
One hour minimum should be allowed to visit the site.
Fort Stanwix National Monument along with the City of Rome sponsor many special events and programs throughout the year.
Many other Volunteer In Parks Programs are planned including evening talks, 18th century trades fair, June 5-6, and programs commemorating significant events in the history of Fort Stanwix and the surrounding communities.
Due to the significance of this region in American history, the Northern Frontier Special Resource Study has been commissioned through legislation with the support of Congressman Boehlert, Twenty-third District, New York. National recognition of this area could provide opportunities for technical and financial assistance for the management of the region's historic resources. The National Park Service has contracted with the Faculty of Landscape Architecture at the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science of Forestry in Syracuse to conduct the study.
CAUTION! Because the fort is an accurate reconstruction, visitors come into contact with hazards not normally encountered at national parks.
Oriskany Battlefield
Route 69
Oriskany, New York 13424
315-492-1756
Oneida
Indian Nation Shako:wi Cultural Center
West Road
Oneida, New York 13421
315-363-1424
For more information on the Rome area contact:
Rome Chamber of Commerce
139 West Dominick Street
Rome, New York 13440
315-337-1700
For more information on the region, contact:
Oneida County Convention and Visitors Bureau
PO Box 551
Utica, New York 13503
800-426-3132 or 315-724-7221
Authorized August 21, 1935; acquisition completed, 1973.
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