The Burning of Kingston

On October 15-18th, the City of Kingston New York hosts the Burning of Kingston, a commemoration of a unique Revolutionary War event. This year’s four days of programming is titled “The Many Faces of Revolution”, reflecting programming that includes stories from lessor-known history of the time, including women and black patriots, refugees, indigenous, enslaved and indentured peoples.

The Burning of Kingston occurred on October 16, 1777, when the Hudson Valley town of Kingston, the newly designated state capital of New York, was burned to the ground by British Soldiers. Following the Colonists first win at the Battle of Saratoga, Kingston bore the brunt of British retribution, deemed by the British a “nest of rebels, a nursery for almost every villain in the country”. The savagery of the burning took the war to a new level, and the town citizen’s response to the invasion illustrates the many societal complexities of the times.

In addition to the very popular Colonial, Militia and Red Coat reenactments and battles, programming includes lectures and presentations, film screenings, colonial dances, period music by the Bard College Conservatory of Music, as well as a commemorative 5k run. All events this year, free and open to the public, will take place in the historic Stockade District of Uptown Kingston at the height of the Hudson Valley fall season. As the United States continues to commemorate its 250th Anniversary, Burning of Kingston programs offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history and current events.

The Burning of Kingston is co-hosted by the City of Kingston and Ulster County New York, along with volunteers and local sponsors.

The event is FREE and OPEN to the public.
For more info and full schedule and background visit www.burningofkingston.com