New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site - 1780s

1780s

Between June 1782 and October 1783 7,000 troops were boarded here in 600 log huts, over 1,600 acres (650 ha). Although the Siege of Yorktown had ended most hostilities the year before, the British still occupied New York City and other ports, and George Washington believed that there was still strong sentiment in Britain for restarting the war and taking the colonies back. Thus it was necessary to keep the army here, within striking distance of New York and next to the vital Hudson River, until all the British forces were withdrawn. On April 19, 1783, Washington issued a cease fire order, officially ending the war for the Army.