The calendar flips back to 1776 and 1777 at the Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell, Vermont, on September 8 and 9, 2018, for the annual “Soldiers Atop the Mount” living history weekend. Reenactors and those interested in history gather to engage the public with a colorful, full scale event that honors this massive Revolutionary War fortification built and occupied first by the Americans and then British and Germans during the 1776-77 Northern Campaign of the American Revolution.

The event includes new special interactive activities to bring to life the historic ground of Mount Independence. On Saturday, the popular Baldwin Trail walkabout is back. From 11:30 am to 2:00 pm visitors walk along the trail to meet reenactors and other experts who will discuss such topics as Revolutionary gunsmithing, an interactive laying out of a brigade, the life of the soldiers, building and defending the gun batteries, and more. Get your card stamped and win a small token if you visit all the stations. The event is open each day at 9:30, with the soldier’s camps opening at 10:00 am, closing Saturday at 5:00 and on Sunday at 2:00 pm. Reenactors offer military tacticals, camp life, and colonial skills and crafts. Special hands-on children’s activities are available both days.

The military tacticals includes a woods skirmish with a guide you can follow. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons the public is invited to participate in our first Mount Independence Revolutionary history “mask”querade, focusing on the people who played important roles here.  Reenactors also will offer a new presentation on what they do and how to get involved.

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Download the complete schedule of events for the weekend: Soldiers Atop the Mount Revolutionary War Encampment – Dynalist.

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5K “Strong Ground Walk”

The “Strong Ground 5K Walk” on the site’s trail system is back for the third year on Sunday, and benefits Mount Independence Coalition education and special programs for the site. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. The $10 fee (cash or check payable to Mount Independence Coalition) includes admission to Soldiers Atop the Mount and a simple lunch in the picnic area. Call 802-948-2000 to pre-register. This lunch is available for everyone for a modest donation.

Other Activities

On Sunday there is a recreation of the July 1777 sermon by Rev. Thomas Allen encouraging the soldiers in the face of the British, a changing of the guard, and the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, for which the Mount is named.

Site interpreter and historian Paul Andriscin offers an illustrated lecture on “Reasons for Revolution” on Saturday and “The Northern Campaign” on Sunday, both at 3:30 pm.

Event admission is $6.00 for adults and free for children under 15, and includes the museum. Call 802-948-2000 for details. Beverages and light snacks are available for purchase in the museum shop.