Explore the Fort Garden

Several historic and heirloom breeds of vegetable can be found within the fort gardens.

National Park Service/Ranger Meaghen

Soldiers at the fort were encouraged to tend gardens, and we have a few examples of what they grew! Come and see how different some of your favorite fruits and vegetables were back in the 18th century, and learn about how different medicinal herbs were used. You may already have some herbs in your pantry!

Before his arrival to the fort in the spring of 1777, Gansevoort sent a letter to his second in command, Lieutenant Col. Marinus Willett, ordering a garden to be planted near the fort:

“As soon as the Season will permit you will have the Garden put in Seed, that the Garrison may not be without vegetables in their Season.”

Everyday, private soldiers would have received a portion of bread, flour, or vegetables for their one daily meal, along with a portion of meat. Meat was often shipped to the fort in barrels of brine and not considered fresh by today’s standards. What little livestock they had was kept for milk production. During the Siege of 1777 a number of these animals were killed for food; a fact Gansevoort later bemoaned to Gates stating that they should have had proper supplies before an attack occurred.

Even with fresh vegetables available, portions weren’t always distributed fairly. By the next spring, orders were issued to the men that specific food items were to be sold at set prices (Example: 16 Shilling for 17 lbs. of onion and $2 per head of cabbage). This was done so that those civilians and even other soldiers with more access to the garden and livestock could not cheat others out of their fair share.

Details

Duration

10-15 Minutes

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Pets Allowed

No

All pets must be controlled on leash while walking trails and inside the historic fort. Waste must be bagged and properly disposed. Do not let your animals harass the local wildlife.
Only service animals are allowed inside the park visitor centers.  

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Reconstructed Fort

• Accessible parking is reserved in a pull-off in front of the fort.

• The fort garden sits just off the enrty trail on level, dry grass. 

• Not all areas in the fort are accessible. Ramps can be made available by request to tour the inside buildings of the parade ground.

Park Trails

• The trail surrounding the fort is approximately 1/2 mile long. It is partially paved and includes portions that consist of compacted gravel.

Service Animals

• Service animals are welcome at Fort Stanwix National Monument.

• Please keep in mind that some living history demonstrations, like cannon firing or musket firing demonstrations that take place in the reconstructed fort, can be stressful and scary for our animal companions.