Revolutionary War Soldiers Gravesite in Fishkill – Update !

Background:  In the Spring of 2008, Archaeological Digs were made on a section of the remaining 11 Acres of property that was part of the Fishkill Supply Depot during the American Revolution – (Depot was in Fishkill 1776 - 1783) – as required prior to building a new Strip Mall on the Site.  Within the first 15 to 20 feet of digging, several graves were uncovered.  Subsequent investigation identified the remains uncovered as being Revolutionary War Continental Army soldiers.   Then with the aid of ground-penetrating radar, they discovered that “hundreds of soldiers” were buried at this site in Fishkill.    

During the month of November, Bill Sandy, Registered Professional Archaeologist, led a Fishkill Historical Society team that included Marty Byster, Paula Sarvis, John McLaughlin, Gary Mackenzie,  Mara Farrell, Josh Farrell, Ann LaGoy, and Lance Ashworth, at this Continental Army Burial Complex. The Maya Café, across the street - Van Wyck Lake Road - provided free refreshments.  Gracias Amigos !  

Everyone did a tremendous job of carefully back-filling the remainder of the trench  (which had been re-covered in the Spring of 2008, but a depression of a foot or two remained). Alyssa Sunkin of the Times Herald-Record visited the Van Wyck Homestead and the gravesite restoration.   Her article with great photos of the FHS at work is on their website at  www.recordonline.com.  During the last round of backfilling, Richard Goring, Regional Historic Preservation Director for the New York State Office of Historic Preservation walked the Site and met Bill Sandy.   Rich Goring is the leading expert on the workings of the Fishkill Supply Depot.    Rich showed us exactly where the DAR Memorial Monument  (1897)  was originally located and as truth be told, it was exactly at the location of the newly rediscovered Continental Army Burial Complex. 

Plans for backfilling the last open trench on the gravesite property are being made.  Help from the FHS is needed.  We are walking in the footsteps of giants when we step onto Fishkill Supply Depot lands.   Heartfelt thanks to all working to fully honor all our brave soldiers of the Fishkill Supply Depot and safeguard these vulnerable lands for now and future generations of Americans.

If you would like to be part of the next round of backfilling led by Bill Sandy, please contact Fishkill Historical Society member, Lance A. Ashworth at: laashworth@optonline.net.

We also wish to extend heartfelt thanks to “Crossroads” property owner Scott Jerutis
and to FHS Trustee Clifford Foley for making initial arrangements to work on the Site.

Mara Farrell

Student’s Quote: “Can you believe they were going to tear that house down” ?  !  !