Living History Sites

The Revolutionary War arrived on Long Island in a way that felt very close to home, with British forces taking control directly after their victory at the Battle of Long Island in August 1776. They held onto the island for the entire duration of the war. During this time, the mill at Stony Brook was busy, grinding grains that helped feed the British soldiers.

General Washington established his Newburgh headquarters at Jonathan and Tryntje Hasbrouck's fieldstone farmhouse from 1782 to 1783, issuing an order for a "cessation of hostilities" from the house.

When Jane Black Thomas overheard Loyalists plotting a surprise attack on her son's militia camp, she rode nearly 60 miles through dangerous territory to warn him. Her daring ride gave Colonel John Thomas Jr. and his Spartan Regiment time to prepare an ambush that repelled the attackers — fueling Patriot momentum toward the war-changing Battle of King's Mountain just three months later.

Liberty Hall was home to trailblazing governors, congressmen, senators, assembly persons, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs. Inhabited by William Livingston, New Jersey’s first elected governor and a signer of the United States Constitution, the 14-room Georgian-style home evolved over time into a 50-room Victorian mansion.

A station constructed during high tensions with the Cherokee, this fortification was utilized by Loyalists until July of 1780.

A precursor movement to the Battle of Monmouth, this Quaker meeting house was surrounded by the encampment of British troops under Alexander Leslie in mid-June of 1778.

A colonial-era home built in 1732. The Continental Army used the house during the Revolutionary War as the Officers' Headquarters for the Fishkill Supply Depot.

A monumental structure built in 1742, Faneuil Hall served as one of the most important sites of civic engagement in colonial Boston. Since, it has hosted the likes of revolutionary leaders and dissidents.