Fort Stanwix National Monument
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Fort Stanwix National Monument is a reconstruction of a military defense base constructed by the British in 1758 in response to incursions by the French during the French and Indian War. During the American Revolution, the British surrendered the fort to the Continental Army in 1776, which was, in turn, unsuccessfully besieged in 1777 by the British. Today, the reconstructed fort sits in the center of Rome, NY, as a monument to the American forces who suffered deprivation and cruelty but never gave up. It is common to see visitors from New York City and Albany, NY, come to pay their respects to those who fought for an intangible and elusive idea — freedom. Though the internal structure of the fort is concrete, the façade is wood, constructed in the same design as the original fort.
Things To Do Near Fort Stanwix National Monument
The place to start your visit to Fort Stanwix National Monument is at the Willett Visitor Center, located just across the street from the fort. At the Willett Center, visitors are greeted by a ranger who gives a short orientation of the site. Once visitors are aware of the rules, they are welcome to traverse the three hiking trails, enter the fortification, and visit the museum. Official tours with rangers are available for groups.
Hiking Trails
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Mohawk River Trail
The Mohawk River Trail is a paved and concrete walk that begins in the center of Rome, NY, and runs through various topographies. The main sights are Bellamy Harbor Park, which sits on the banks of the Erie Canal, Fort Stanwix National Monument, the Mohawk River, the Old Oneida County Cemetery, and Haselton-Wright Park. Along the way are various shops, restaurants, and museums where you can interrupt your hike for a bit of a rest before moving on.
Location
111-139 East Whitesboro Street, Rome, NY 13440
Length
4.2 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Pitch Pine Bog Conservation Nature Trail
The Pitch Pine Bog Conservation Nature Trail is an ideal pathway for those looking to understand what the country around Rome, NY, was like during the days before the Erie Canal was constructed. Hikers find snakes, pitch pine, tamarack, skunk cabbage, and a wild cranberry bog along this trail.
Location
7989 West Thomas Street, Rome, NY 13440
Length
2.9 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo
The Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo is the only venue in the region that allows kids to interact with animals. A large petting zoo enables many kids to get their first feel of farm animals. The pygmy goat enclosure is full of animals that have known nothing but caring hands and children's laughter. Other animals are enclosed in pens reminiscent of their wild habitat.
Location
5135 Rome-New London Road, Rome NY 13440
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Bellamy Harbor Park
The Bellamy Harbor Park is one of the few remaining sections of the famous Erie Canal. Bridging what had been called the Oneida Carry, a portage point that connected the Mohawk River and Wolf Creek, the Erie Canal followed the course of least resistance. Visitors here are witnessing one of the essential sections of a waterway that opened the Midwest to trade with the East Coast.
Location
123 Erie Boulevard East, Rome, NY 13440
Museums
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H.P. Sears Service Station Museum
Take the kids to see what life on the road used to entail. The H.P. Sears Service Station Museum is an exact reconstruction of a 1929 service station. The lit globes that attracted customers and the zealous attendants are all in place. This is a visit to the day when there was genuine competition among oil companies.
Location
201 North George Street, Rome, NY 13440
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Oriskany Museum
Only 10 miles southeast of the Fort Stanwix National Monument sits the Oriskany Museum. The museum celebrates the Battle of Oriskany, where forces of the Continental Army stopped British troops from the west, who were attempting to reinforce General John Burgoyne at Saratoga, virtually ensuring the defeat of Burgoyne. Displays document the battle and its aftereffects.
Location
420 Utica Street, Oriskany, NY 13424
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Garden of Gifts
If you are looking for unique gifts to send home after visiting the Fort Stanwix National Monument, stop by the Garden of Gifts. Here you find exciting gifts such as bathtub soap dishes, dog bone cookie cutters, and three-watt candle light bulbs. Other items like wall hangings and liquid soap dispensers crowd the shelves.
Location
62 Main Street, Camden, NY 13316
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Family Finds and Consignment Shop
There are times when a consignment shop reveals items not found anywhere else. The Family Finds and Consignment Shop specializes in antiques found at family estate sales or in old attics and barns. This shop offers unique finds that more famous antique dealers do not handle. Teddy bears, wind-up ballerinas, and one-of-a-kind tea sets are just a few of those items that never fail to impress.
Location
407 Lee Valley Road, Taberg, NY 13471
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The Vigneto Restaurant
If you are looking for an Italian meal, drop by The Vigneto Restaurant. Their ingredients are always fresh, and the service is crisp and friendly. Try their shaved steak panini or bacon avocado grilled cheese for something different, delicious, and filling.
Location
229 East Dominick Street, Rome, NY 13440
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Eddie's Paramount Diner
There is always something nostalgic and comforting about getting a meal in a diner. Eddie's Paramount Diner is the perfect reflection of a bygone era when diners crowded America's neighborhoods. The traditional American food is excellent, and the atmosphere is something to write home about.
Location
414 West Dominick Street, Rome, NY 13440
How To Get To Fort Stanwix National Monument
The intersections near Utica, NY, serve as the major conduit that leads to the Fort Stanwix National Monument. To get to that intersection from Utica and go on to Fort Stanwix, take the North-South Arterial Highway, and drive northward for 0.39 miles. You merge left to get onto New York Highway 49 West (NY-49 W) at this intersection. Drive on NY-49 W for 14.06 miles and merge onto Erie Boulevard/Revolutionary Trail. Stay on this road for 1.44 miles as it enters Rome, NY. Turn right onto North James Street, and the Stanwix Fort National Monument is directly ahead.
The Fort Stanwix National Monument is open year-round. There are several parking lots, but the one opposite the monument of James Street is the nearest.
Address
100 S. James Street, Rome, NY 13440
Fee: Entry fee $0
The Fort Stanwix National Monument stands as a reminder of the cost of freedom. Many who visit here come away with a renewed spirit as an understanding of the costs their freedom demanded at the beginning. A family who begins their RV vacation in this region of the country and finishes it at this monument enjoys a united memory that lasts a lifetime.
