New Windsor in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
New Windsor Cantonment
…Going, going, gone!
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2008
1. New Windsor Cantonment Marker
A “cantonment” was a more permanent quarters for troops than an encampment of tents. New Windsor, like Valley Forge, contained orderly lines of log huts that housed troops over the winter. After the Revolutionary War, New Windsor’s huts were sold at auction according to General Washington’s orders to help pay the army’s substantial debts.
According to local tradition, merchant Nathaniel Sackett purchased one of the cantonment’s huts at auction and reused it in nearby Mountainville, where it formed part of a larger home for nearly 150 years. In 1933, the rebuilt hut was dismantled and reassembled here, perhaps the only surviving example of a structure built by the Continental Army.
Erected by State of New York.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Buildings • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location. 41° 28.317′ N, 74° 3.586′ W. Marker is in New Windsor, New York, in Orange County. It can be reached from Temple Hill Road (New York State Route 300), on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the New Windsor Cantonment State
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Hudson Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Revolutionary Hut (here, next to this marker); City of Log Buildings (a few steps from this marker); Temple Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Unknown Soldier (within shouting distance of this marker); The People of the New Windsor Cantonment (within shouting distance of this marker); Purple Heart Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Publick Building Called the Temple" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Windsor.
More about this marker. The bottom of the marker features a photograph of the National Temple Hill Association. The caption describes how the group “formed in 1933 to preserve the site of the army chapel, known as the temple, and materials associated with the cantonment, most notably the hut (pictured behind officers of the association).”
Also on the marker is a reproduction of an ad with the caption “In August 1783, The New York Packet carried advertisements for the sale of the nearly 600 buildings that made up the New Windsor Cantonment.”
Also see . . .
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2008
2. Continental Army Hut with Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2008
3. New Windsor Cantonment Hut
This hut is the only known structure originally built by the Continental Army. It was returned to the cantonment in 1933.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2008
4. Hut Dedication Plaque
This Revolutionary Hut was given by Mr. & Mrs. William T. Hand to the National Temple Association, Inc. and re-erected through the generosity of Mr. William Applebye Robinson. Dedicated October 7, 1934.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2008
5. New Windsor Cantonment Auction Advertisement
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,656 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
