Fort Montgomery in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Guard House
When excavation of the Guard House was completed in 1969, the site was reburied to protect the feature. Therefore, little is visible today. The Guard House was divided into two rooms that reflected dual uses. The southeastern room was where soldiers on guard duty were stationed. The northwestern room was used to house prisoners. It had a floor of mortar poured directly on bedrock, presumably to keep prisoners from escaping through the floor. There is no evidence of bars or any other means of physically confining prisoners, so it is likely that the only access to the prisoners’ room was through the other room where the guard was stationed.
A number of courts-martial were held at Fort Montgomery. Soldiers were usually confined in the Guard House until their appearance before the court. Many soldiers brought before the court were charged with drunken behavior or failing to report for roll call. Abuse of officers, letting a prisoner escape, and a murder were among the more serious charges. Punishments ranged from small fines and public reprimands to demotions or public floggings.
Erected by Fort Montgomery State Historic Site.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military • Notable Places • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 41° 19.494′ N, 73° 59.22′ W. Marker is in Fort Montgomery, New York, in Orange County. Marker is on U.S. 9W, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in Fort Montgomery State Historic Site on the walking trail, near Route 9W. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Montgomery NY 10922, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Soldiers’ Necessary (a few steps from this marker); Powder Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker); Enlisted Men’s & Officers’ Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Building a Fort (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Montgomery Today (about 300 feet away); The Battle of Fort Montgomery (about 300 feet away); Barracks (about 300 feet away); North Redoubt (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Montgomery.
More about this marker. The marker features a large picture of two soldiers transporting a prisoner to the Guard House. It has a caption “The large stone landing and the shallow foundation shown in this painting were discovered during archeological excavation. The other features shown are conjectural, based in part on how the building was likely used.
Painting by Dahl Taylor, 2002.”
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This series of markers follow the walking tour of the Fort Montgomery Battlefield.
Also see . . . The Battle of Fort's (sic) Montgomery and Clinton. The American Revolutionary War website entry (Submitted on May 6, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,075 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.