THE BURNING OF KINGSTON
The Burning of Kingston commemoration is a window into colonial life 250 years ago. It is also about the human impact of war, the perseverance and resilience of a community, and an opportunity to understand the larger historical arc of the American Revolutionary War. (View short video of the Burning of Kingston)
This year, 2023, Burning of Kingston activities will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday October 13-15th in Kingston, NY. Re-enactments, presentations, tours, exhibits, and more will be hosted at various locations around Kingston. For a detailed list of activities visit THE BURNING OF KINGSTON 2023 SCHEDULE.
View presentation on the history of the Burning of Kingston
View presentation on The New York State Constitutional Convention held in the colonial city of Kingston at the Courthouse (the current location of the Ulster County Courthouse) from March 6th to April 20th, 1777.
In October 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Kingston was targeted for retaliation by the British following the establishment of the town as New York’s first capital. Infuriated, soldiers from British--captured New York City, sailed up the Hudson River to take retaliation against numerous colonial settlements, including the biggest target along the Hudson – Kingston. Landing at Kingston Point, the red coats marched along the Rondout Creek and up to the Stockade area (Uptown Kingston area), burning houses along the way. A small naval skirmish also took place along the Rondout Creek.
In advance of the arrival of the British, some brave colonists, including Deputy County Clerk Christopher Tappen, were able to save key documents and ledgers of the county and new state capital. Although most of the city's men, along with their weapons, were away fighting the British elsewhere, some brave locals fought the British. Most of the city, however, was abandoned ahead of the Redcoats approach, knowing their limited chances against the invading army.
After only a few hours of work, the British burned down over 300 buildings and left Kingston in ruins. However, the resilient and brave Kingston residents returned, and in a sign of their determination and resilience, they quickly rebuilt the city.