The Burning of Kingston:

The Event for 2009: Full Schedule

The 2009 Burning of Kingston is now scheduled for the weekend of October 16, 17 & 18. The 17th is the 232nd Anniversary of the actual British Attack on the city.

As usual, we have a full weekend's worth of activities planned for both the enjoyment and education of our visitors and for the enjoyment of the reenactors. In 2007 we reshaped the event, putting the encampment in a more natural environment near the River, & this seemed to meet with just about everyone's approval.In 2009 we intend to build on this & include food vendors for both the public, so they will be more encouraged to tour the camps, & reenactors who may not wish to prepare their meals. We have a dozen or more sutlers selling authentic Colonial Wares as well ac camp demonstrations and activities.

This year the Burning of Kingston and the First Ulster County Militia has lost one of our most ardent supporters. City Clerk Kathy Janeczek's recent untimely passing has left us shocked and saddened. In her honor we wish to dedicate this year's Burning of Kingston.

New This Year :

To commemorate the Quadricentennial celebration of the discovery of the HUdson River in 1609, the entire Burning of Kingston Event will center on the parks & streets on the waterfront & Hudson River. The usual Saturday afternoon battle in the streets uptown has been replaced with a major tactical in the fields & woods behind the encampment & in view of the Hudson River. There will be artillery support from the boats as well as a larger & more varied area to maneuver. Staging will be simpler & not require bussing of troops, meaning far less downtime before the battle.

 

Full Schedule of Tactical Demonstrations & Events for the Weekend All details will be available for spectators at the encampment and in the Daily Freeman. Details may change but the general schedule will be thusly:


Friday, October 16:

Reenactors & Sutlers :Arrival & registration begins at noon at the encampment in the Kingston Point Park across from Kingston Point Beach. The Naval encampment will be on the beach itself & boats can be easily & safely beached there. There is a convenient launch ramp at the Northwestern end of the beach for launching boats. The military encampments, both American & British will be in the park along the wood line. This will be the same as 2007. Sutlers will be positioned at the entrance to the military camps

7:30 pm: American Committee of Safety Meeting at Hoffman House Tavern on North Front Street, Uptown Kingston. Attendees must provide their own transportation.

Saturday, October 17:

Battle & Landing at Kingston Point. (Locally known as Rotary Park) Spectator Parking will be off site with shuttle service provided.

9:30 am Naval forces depart the beach to support the attack on American defenses

11:00 - 12:00am Naval Forces begin bombardment & cannonade preceding British attack on American Militia forces. British begin their push inland.

12:00 -2:30 Camps (Infantry & Naval) opens to the public for tours, demonstrations, naval competitions, scenarios & 18th century camp life, etc. Detailed schedule will be available on the days of the encampments

1:30 pm A small British force will march through the Historic Stockade District ( Main St, John St, & Wall St) and secure the grounds of Senate House (Fair St)

2:30 pm- 3:30pm At the Main Encampment American militia & troops stage a surprise attack on the British encampment. British troops call to arms & attempt to repel attack & drive off the American troops. Battle proceeds around & through the park.

5:00pm - Camp closes to the public

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Family Hour, Free lessons in English Country Dance available to all (reenactors and public) in Council Chamber on the top floor of the Restored City Hall on Broadway. (420 Broadway)

9:00pm - Grand Ball openswith the Procession and opening dance in honor of the Victorious General Vaughn and his Lady. Free admission to all. The public is encouraged to attend & enjoy the dancing and music. Costumes are completely optional* Children are welcome

*(period costumes may be rented at Columbia Costumes on North Front St, 339-4996)

Sunday, October 18:

9:00am Sailor's Encampment: Reading of the Articles of War. Sailors convicted of offenses shall at this time receive their punishment.

12:00 am Naval Forces begin cannonade of rebel defenses & land British troops on Kingston Point Beach. British Troops battle Militia defenders on the beach & nearby field to begin the march to the attack on the waterfront of Rondout. After taking the beach, British forces march approximately 1 1/4 mile. Scattered resistance is met along the the route

2:00 pm British Forces meet the full American forces defending the Rondout on East Strand, pushing into town -- and simultaneously:

2:00 pm the Full might of the British Naval forces pursue & fire upon the Rebel gunboat "Lady Washington" on the Rondout Creek as her crew fires in defense until forced to abandon her.

3:00pm - Battles end with the defeat and rout of American forces.

3:30 pm - ? Meet and greet with public during outdoor lunch by local restaurants in T.R. Gallo park along Dock Street.