2019 Battle of Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend
Experience the 242nd anniversary of the Battle of Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend on July 6-7, 2019 at Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site in Hubbardton, Vermont. The Battle of Hubbardton, the only Revolutionary War battle in Vermont, is honored at this living history Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend. Five hundred encamped reenactors will portray the American and British soldiers who fought here on July 7, 1777. The event includes activities for all ages. The annual event takes place event takes place on the weekend after July 4. Military tactical times are weather permitting. Schedule may be subject to change. Museum and museum shop hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.. Food stand and sutler’s shopping row are open both days
Battle of Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend
Visitors to the Battle of Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend are invited to experience the sights and sounds of the Revolutionary War and colonial times. This battle was the first time that British troops under Lt. Gen. John Burgoyne met the resistance and bravery of Americans in battle. Experienced reenactors from up to 21 American Colonial units and14 British Crown units share their passion for history and authenticity to provide this special experience.
The Battle of Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend offers activities for all ages and interests. Reenactors portray American and British soldiers and their families. Visit the tent camps, talk with reenactors, watch the tactical and artillery demonstrations, see camp life activities, learn how to drill, and take in guided camp and battlefield tours. Mistress Davenport opens her popular school and storytelling tent. Hands-on activities for children are offered near the museum. Sutlers (traveling store-keepers of the time) offer their wares, for a colonial shopping experience. The museum is open both days, and the museum shop has an excellent selection of books and other items relating to the American Revolution. Local groups provide a food stand both days.
Saturday afternoon is a military tactical on the slope of Monument Hill, weather permitting, at 3:30 p.m. The Seth Warner Mount Independence Fife & Drum Corps will present a short concert at 2:45 p.m. The Battle of Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend highlight is the Sunday battle, also weather permitting, with troops starting formations about 7:30 a.m. The extended tactical demonstration begins at 8:00 a.m., as muskets sound in the distance before the soldiers emerge over Monument Hill. Call (802-273-2282) to confirm tactical times.
On Friday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, consider seeing the roots of the battle by visiting the Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell, Vermont. Interact with reenactor American soldiers in a small encampment preparing for a possible withdrawal from the Mount. What would they need for fight or flight?
Reenactor Participation by INVITATION ONLY
The Vermont Division of Historic Preservation along with the Revolutionary War Department of the Living History Association and the Brigade of the American Revolution present the weekend commemoration of the Battle of Hubbbardton. Host units are the 24th Regiment of Foot and Greaton’s 3rd Massachusetts. Plans call for tacticals both Saturday and Sunday afternoons and the recreation of the Battle Sunday Morning. The invitation, registration and schedule will be added to this site when available. Units interested should use the contact form below. Registration is limited to 500 participants only, so register early. For Crown Forces, contact Paul Novotny at major@24foot.org.
Public Hours & Admission
Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
$6.00 – Adults
Free – Children under 15
Museum & Museum shop open 9:30 am – 5:30 pm open both days
Food Stand and Colonial Sutler’s Shopping Row open both days
Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend Mini-Gallery
Schedule (subject to change)
SATURDAY
9:30 – 5:00 Museum & camps open. Visit American & British camps. Talk with reenactors. See camp life, army formations, tactics, unit drills, engineering, cooking, colonial crafts, medicine, & more. Music at intervals throughout day in museum.
10:00 Small tactical on Monument Hill
10:30 – 2:00 Children’s hands-on activities (tent near Museum)
11:00 Last Man Standing Competition
11:30 Artillery Demonstration
11:30 “Being a Reenactor & The Life of a Recruit,” presentation near building
12:00 Short talk on Battle of Hubbardton, Bruce Venter (museum), book signing
12:30 “People of Hubbardton” presentation near building, Brigade of the American Revolution
1:30 Kids Drill Crown Camp 24th Foot Colonial Camp 3rd MA
2:00 Narrated Tactical on Monument Hill
2:45 Guided battlefield tour, meet outside Museum
3:00 Short illustrated talk, “The Battle Backstory,” Paul Andriscin (museum)
3:30 The Reenacting Story, with “Meet Warner’s Regiment” short film (museum)
5:00 Museum closes
6:00 Memorial Service followed by Dusk Night Fire Demonstration
SUNDAY
7:30 Formation and Safety Inspection
7:45 Take your place for
8:00 Narrated Battle of Hubbardton Reenactment
9:00 – 2:00 Museum & camps open. Demonstrations of camp life, military tactics, engineering, cooking, colonial crafts, medicine, & more
9:30 Guided interactive battlefield tour, meet outside Museum
9:30 – 1:00 Children’s activities (tent near Museum)
10:00 Kids Drill: Crown Camp 24th Foot Colonial Camp: 3rd MA
10:30 Reenactors share their clothing & equipment research & production, near building
11:00 Artillery Demonstration
11:15 “People of Hubbardton” presentation, Brigade of the American Revolution
12:30 Army Formation and Safety Inspection, followed by
12:45 Narrated Tactical
1:30 Camps close
1:30 Short illustrated talk, “The Battle Afterstory,” Paul Andriscin
1:45 Guided battlefield tour; meet outside Museum
5:00 Museum closes
Want to Participate as a Reenactor?
Units interested should e-mail battleofhubbardton@gmail.com for information. Registration is limited to 500 participants only, so register early. For Crown Forces, contact Paul Novotny at major@24foot.org. American Forces should contact Dave Bernier at battleofhubbardton@gmail.com.
Location:
Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
5696 Monument Hill Road
Hubbardton, VT 05735
Directions: The Hubbardton Battlefield is located six miles east from VT Route 30 in Hubbardton or seven miles north off Exit 5 of US Route 4 in Castleton.
Parking & Access: There will be nearby parking and a “people mover” from the parking area to the central location for those who wish to ride.
For more information about the Battlefield or this event, call (802) 273-2282.
About the Battle of Hubberton
One of the most successful rear guard actions in American history, the Battle of Hubbardton was the only Revolutionary War battle fought entirely in Vermont. During the early morning hours of July 7, 1777, British General John Burgoyne’s army met the resistance and bravery of Americans for the first time in the Battle of Hubbardton. A massive British invasion from Canada chased the Continental Army from Mount Independence south to Hubbardton.
The British strategy was to continue to New York and divide New England from the rest of the colonies. On a grassy hill, the New Englanders made their stand. While the British held the field and technically won the battle, their losses were so heavy that they gave up chasing the Americans to tend to their casualties. The Battle of Hubbardton marked the beginning of the end for Burgoyne and his great plan. On August 16 he suffered a stunning blow at the Battle of Bennington. On October 17, 1777, after the battles of Saratoga, he surrendered with his entire Army, an action that was of great importance in persuading the French to enter the war on the side of the Americans.
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Battle of Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend at the Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site in Hubbardton, VT.
Tags: Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend, Hubbardton Revolutionary War Reenactment, Vermont Revolutionary War Reenactment