VERMONT — What and where were the summertime highlights of the Burgoyne invasion of 1777 that led to the autumn British surrender at Saratoga — what became known as the turning point of the War for American Independence?
Answer that question and see exactly where the history happened when the Crown Point Road Association leads a single-day long-distance drive-yourself caravan road trip tour from the Hubbardton Battlefield in Rutland County, Vt., to the Bennington Battlefield, located in New York State, just west of Bennington County, Vt. The drive will take place on Saturday, July 21.
The trip itinerary consists of guided tours of both battlefields and multiple very brief stops along the way, ending with visits to the Bennington Battle Monument (Vermont’s only skyscraper) and to the Bennington Museum. The day’s schedule begins at 9 a.m., with a historian-led tour of the authentic battleground at East Hubbardton’s state historic site, and ends at 5 p.m., closing time at the Bennington Museum.
Lunch is not included, so all are urged to bring a lunch and cold beverages. A brief lunch break will take place at the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, which has picnic tables outdoors but no food concession.
Quick stops along the way include Castleton village, the East Poultney green, Pawlet, Dorset, Manchester village, Arlington, and Shaftsbury, Vt. The Green Mountain Boys militia used this route during the summer of 1777 and at other times.
No charge will be collected for the overall tour, but three individual entrance fees are charged and are the responsibility of each participant. The group discount admission prices for this organized tour are $1.50 per person at Hubbardton Battlefield, $2 per person at Bennington Battle Monument, and $8.50 per person (cash or credit card, but no checks) at the Bennington Museum.
The tour will go forward rain or shine. It is a never-before offered public event. Questions about the trip may be directed to tour leader Tom Hughes at 802-388-2967.