New Windsor in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Temple Hill
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2008
1. Temple Hill Marker
In 1783, in the “Temple of Virtue” here on Temple Hill, General George Washington ordered officers to gather stories of gallantry and faithful service by enlisted men and to select candidates for the Badge of Military Merit, the inspiration for the modern Purple Heart.
Erected by State of New York.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Places • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1783.
Location. 41° 28.304′ N, 74° 3.585′ W. Marker is in New Windsor, New York, in Orange County. Marker 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 Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Windsor NY 12553, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New Windsor Cantonment (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary Hut (within shouting distance of this marker); Purple Heart Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The People of the New Windsor Cantonment (within shouting distance of this marker); Unknown Soldier (within shouting distance
this page online
More about this marker. The right side of the marker contains an image of the Badge of Military Merit.
Also see . . . New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site. New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website entry (Submitted on July 4, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2008
2. Marker at the New Windsor Cantonment
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2008
3. Temple of Virtue
This recreation stands on the actual location of the cantonment's Temple of Virtue. This was the largest building at the cantonment. From here, Washington announced to his troop that the Revolutionary War was over.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2008
4. Badge of Military Merit
The example of the Badge of Military Merit is from the marker. This award became what today is called the Purple Heart.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2008
5. New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site
The marker and above photos are from New York's New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,000 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 4, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
