Soldiers Atop the Mount

Saturday, September 4, 2021

10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell, Vermont, hosts “Soldiers Atop the Mount,” a one-day version of the annual weekend event to honor the Revolutionary War soldiers who built and garrisoned Mount Independence in 1776-77 and laid the foundation stones of the new United States of America.

A highlight will be the popular Baldwin Trail Walkabout, running from 10:30 to 1:30, with experts at stations around the trail and reenactor camp talking to visitors about Revolutionary War subjects specific to those locations. Reenactors will demonstrate Revolutionary War life, skills, and military activities. In the afternoon is the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, for which Mount Independence was named.  Activities are outside.  Visitors should dress for the weather, wear walking shoes and be prepared to walk around the Baldwin Trail area.

On Sunday, September 5, at 11:00 am, a reenactor portraying an American chaplain stationed at the Mount will present near the picnic area a sermon that was preached at Mount Independence during the American Revolution.

Event admission is $6.00 for adults and free for children under 15, and includes visiting the museum. The museum shop, with an excellent selection of books and other items, also will be open. Beverages and light snacks are available for purchase while they last. Consider bringing an outdoor folding chair for your comfort.

Mount Independence is a National Historic Landmark. It is located near the end of Mount Independence Road, six miles west of the intersection of Vermont Routes 22A and 73 in Orwell. The site is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, through October 10.   

Call (802) 948-2000 for more information.