112 E Park Street, Rome, NY 13440
Phone: 315-336-2090 or 315-336-2092
Fax: 315-339-3966
Overview. Fort Stanwix was named for British Brigadier General John Stanwix, who oversaw its construction in 1758. The fort was originally a British installation built to protect a portage on the Oneida River against the French and their Indian allies. While under British control Fort Stanwix never saw military action, but it was the site, in 1768, of the signing of the Boundary Line Treaty between the British and the Iroquois. For a few years the fort lay abandoned, but with the British invasion of New York in 1777 the fort was occupied and armed by the Americans. For 21 days in August of 1777 the fort was under siege by the British and a band of their Indian allies. Greatly outnumbered, the patriots, under the command of Benedict Arnold (before his defection), tricked the Indians into believing a huge number of reinforcements was on its way. The Indians suspected Arnold's messenger had supernatural powers, and were frightened away, leaving a small core of British who eventually retreated to Canada. Today, the restored fort is surrounded by the city of Rome, NY. What to see and do. The restoration of Fort Stanwix is one of the most complete in the nation. Four-sided and built of earth and wood, its palisades, officers' quarters, barracks, and parade ground look much as they would have over two hundred years ago. The visitor center has a museum of Revolutionary War history, and offers guided tours of the fort. From May through September, rangers dressed in the uniforms of the Continental Army present a living history program. You can see them drill several times a day on the parade ground and, if you're there at just the right time, you may get to see them fire the artillery. The fort is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily from April 1 to December 31. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and from January 1 to March 31. Admission to the park is free.
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