Orange County, NY Boasts a Vital Role in U.S. Military History

In just two years, the United States of America will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That may sound like a long time - the nation is much older than all of us - but the United States is a baby compared to how old other nations are. It is impressive that America became the superpower that it has been while being such an infant nation.

The United States has been involved in many wars and minor conflicts since its birth, but the 12 major wars include the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Indian Wars, the Mexican-American Wars, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the War on Terror (which encompasses the War in Afghanistan and Iraq War).

For the sake of this article, let's focus on the one that started it all: The American Revolution.

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Everyone knows about the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, but few are aware of how deeply Orange County, N.Y., influenced our nation’s founding, formative moments and milestones. Historical sites abound in Orange County, including a horse racing museum and one of the most complete mastodon skeletons you’ll ever see.

But the Revolution-era sites make visiting Orange County a must for military history buffs and anyone interested in the origins of the nation we have become.

About Orange County Tourism & Film

Orange County Tourism & Film, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism and film production headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, events and film resources can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. Additionally, a fun, free, 60-page travel guide is available for digital download at orangetourism.org/travel-guide/.