Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

April 27, 2019

Dan Keefe
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov

New York State Parks Announces the Grand Re-Opening of the Tower of Victory at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced the grand re-opening of the Tower of Victory at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, NY. Public access to the Tower and observation level will enhance the visitor experience for the nation's first publicly-owned historic site.

"Washington's Headquarters and the Tower of Victory are not only important sites and monuments in our nation's early history, but landmarks of the American historic preservation movement," said Acting State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. "Today, we stand here with a similar duty to honor and protect these treasures so that future generations can continue to learn and explore their history."

"The Tower of Victory is a symbol of the significance of Newburgh and the Hudson Valley to the winning of the American Revolution. The PIPC is excited to restore and reopen the monument and thankful to the hundreds of partners, supporters, and friends who helped to Save the Tower," said Palisades Interstate Parks Commission (PIPC) Executive Director Jim Hall.

Originally constructed between 1883 and 1887 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the Revolutionary War, the Tower was built at the site where Washington was headquartered the longest during the Revolution. The original roof was damaged in 1950 by a hurricane and removed, closing off access to the rooftop viewing platform that provided amazing views of the Hudson River.

Fundraising for the Tower of Victory began in September of 2012 with construction commencing in the Fall of 2016. The complete funding for the restoration totaled $1.6 million with $500,000 coming from the New York State Parks Environmental Fund.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 74 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.