July 11-12 — HUBBARDTON — Hundreds of re-enactors will gather for a colorful, full-scale history pageant paying tribute to the only battle fought on Vermont soil in the war for American independence. A “Revolutionary Weekend” will be held July 11 and 12 at the Hubbardton Battlefield in Hubbardton.
Over 350 re-enactors from all over the Northeast will portray the American, British, and German forces who fought the battle 238 years ago. The weekend encampment will offer the Revolutionary War sights, sounds, and scents of campfires and gunpowder. Members of at least 18 american units (including men, women, and children), 10 British units, a combined German unit, and a number of sutlers (traveling storekeepers of the time) will be on hand to interact and talk with visitors.
The weekend has activities for all ages and interests. Visitors can examine the camps, talk with re-enactors, watch the tactical and artillery demonstrations, see camp life activities, learn how to drill, and take in guided camp and battlefield tours. Hands-on activities for children are offered near the museum. Sutlers will offer a colonial shopping experience. The museum is open both days, with a shop that has an excellent selection of books and other items relating to the American Revolution. Local groups provide a food stand both days.
The narrated military tacticals, on the slope of Monument Hill, will be held weather-permitting. Saturday’s is scheduled for 2 p.m. The Sunday morning battle starts at 7:30 a.m.—the battle formations are the weekend highlight. Muskets will sound in the distance, just before the soldiers emerge over Monument Hill. Re-enactors offer another tactical at 1p.m. Call 802-273-2282 to confirm times.
Admission daily is $6 for adults and free for children under 15. The Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site is located on Monument Hill Road, 6 miles off VT Route 30 in Hubbardton, or 7 miles off exit 5 on US Route 4 in Castleton. For more info, call 802-273-2282 or visit www.historicsites.vermont.gov.
