Continental Army Crossroads

Continental Army Crossroads. Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. , During the Revolutionary War, the Van Wyck Homestead served as headquarters for the Fishkill Supply Depot, a supply center for Washington’s Continental Army. At this bustling “city” of industry, hammers clanged, and smoke rose from many workshops. Here, workers produced and repaired everything from harnesses and horseshoes to wheels, mess supplies, clothing, and shoes. The powder magazine supplied the northern forces of the Continental Army. In addition, Fishkill also included a hospital, a guard house and prison, parade grounds, and numerous quarters and barracks for the officers and thousands of soldiers who trained and served here. Several hundred died here and are buried nearby., This location was strategically important as a major east-west and north-south intersection. In addition, the Depot’s position was secure, protected by mountains and far enough away from the Hudson River to prohibit a potential British attack. The Continental Army’s occupation of Fishkill and West Point guaranteed control of the mid-Hudson and maintained communication links between New England and the rest of the thirteen United States., “ . . . West Point was [chosen] as the most important [point] to fortify, and Fishkill as the place the best adapted to the establishment of the principal depot of provisions, ammunitions, etc.; these two positions are connected with each other.” , Francois Jean de Beauvior, chevalier de Chastellux, , French Army officer under Rochambeau, 1780