Explore the history of the Fort Edward, NY region at one of the town’s most popular institutions: the Rogers Island Visitors Center and Museum!
If you’re looking to delve into this region’s rich heritage, Rogers Island is a must-visit destination. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy. Come learn about the area’s earliest known Native American inhabitants, as well as Fort Edward’s critical role in early American history. Plus, you’ll gain insight into what everyday life was like for the soldiers and settlers in and around the historic fort!
So, come visit Rogers Island to dive into indigenous history, military tactics, canal life and more in Fort Edward, NY.
Journeying Through Time at Rogers Island Visitors Center and Museum
Rogers Island Visitors Center – your gateway to local history! Stop into the Museum between late May and mid-October to learn more about early Native American tribes, European settlers, and the events that shaped a nation.
As a neat bonus, the Visitors Center also showcases the archaeological finds of David Starbuck, who devoted his life to uncovering the Hudson Valley’s hidden past. In fact, throughout his lifetime, Dr. Starbuck conducted more than 70 summer archaeological digs – many of them on Rogers Island and in the village of Fort Edward, NY.
Since 2001, the Rogers Island Visitors Center (RIVC) has welcomed visitors from around the globe to experience the fascinating history uncovered by our local archaeologists. One of the most notable findings on Rogers Island was the remains of a British smallpox hospital, the first ever excavated in the United States!
Discover the Deeply Historic Roots of Fort Edward, NY
Throughout early American history, the Fort Edward area has held many roles: as a Native American hunting ground, as a trading outpost, as the Revolutionary War’s largest field hospital, as a thriving canal town and later a hotbed of manufacturing facilities!
Of course, the Rogers Island Visitors Center and Museum largely focuses on the early cultural and military roots of the Fort Edward region. For more details on how Fort Edward evolved over time, visit the Old Fort House Museum down the road.
Before any colonists settled the area, indigenous tribes traversed the Fort Edward region for generations. In fact, the area earned the name Wahcoloosencoochaleva, “The Great Carrying Place,” as it marked the location where those traveling by boat had to begin their journey by foot, as the Hudson River becomes navigable due to rapids and waterfalls north of Fort Edward. (This is the reason the Champlain Canal was constructed centuries later!)
Rogers Island’s Role in the French & Indian War
With its strategic location, Fort Edward came to be one of the largest British military complexes in North America. This extended to Rogers Island, where barracks, storage buildings, hospitals and a blockhouse were built. You can see a great diorama of this fort at the Rogers Island Visitors Center!
Eventually, Fort Edward became the staging ground for invasions into French Canada by the British and provincial troops who eventually drove the French from the area. Large numbers of soldiers were stationed there throughout the years. In fact, at the height of the war in 1757, the population of Fort Edward was estimated at 16,000 – making it the third largest city in the colonies, behind only New York City and Boston! While there was never a battle fought on the island, it was the “largest hospital complex, supplies depot and training base” of the Seven Years’/French & Indian War. Later on, soldiers stationed on the island were forced to retreat when General John Burgoyne’s army passed through Fort Edward en route to Saratoga.
Notable figures stationed on Rogers Island included Philip Schuyler, Israel Putnam and Paul Revere, who all went on to become officers in the Revolutionary War.
All About Rogers’ Rangers
Of course, the most notable figure of them all may very well be Major Robert Rogers and his company of Rangers, the first U.S. Army Rangers. Their battalion was stationed at Rogers Island from 1756 to 1759. In 1757, Major Rogers laid out his “Ranging Rules,” which outlined new forest warfare tactics, developed from fighting methods used by Native Americans, a stark contrast to British military traditions. Interestingly, these rules are the same standing orders still used by Army Rangers today!
Want to learn more about Major Rogers and his Rangers? Visit the Rogers Island Visitors Center to see his Ranging Rules and tactics for yourself.
More Things To Do at Rogers Island Visitors Centers and Museum
Explore the Island’s Scenic Trails & Unique Landscape
Of course, there’s much more to see at the Rogers Island Visitors Center than just the museum! Be sure to take a stroll through this scenic island to enjoy soaking in the unique ecosystem that is the Hudson River Valley. Visitors’ favorite outdoor activities at RIVC include viewing the Rogers’ Rangers memorial statue, viewing the interpretive signage and picnicking amongst the Island’s fields and forests! For a quiet moment of reflection, visit the Memorial Garden near the Visitors Center’s entrance.
Whether you’re a hiker, history buff or nature enthusiast, you’ll enjoy the tranquility of the riverfront scenery, as well as the opportunities to spot various bird species and other wildlife.
Enjoy Historic Events, Encampments and More
Check the RIVC website for current exhibits, events and programs! Previous events have included live reenactments, historic encampments, living history weekends, moonlight snowshoeing, guest lecturers and more.
Plan Your Visit to RIVC
If you’re looking to visit Rogers Island Visitors Center, be sure to plan ahead! The Visitors Center is open from late May to mid-October, 10 AM – 4 PM Wednesday through Saturday, and 1 PM – 4 PM on Sundays. It is located at 11 Rogers Island Drive, Fort Edward, NY 12828, on its own island just across the Hudson River from the village of Fort Edward, NY. Youth field trips and adult groups welcome – just make an appointment ahead-of-time!
So, come to Rogers Island to discover a captivating destination providing unique insight into the people, places and events that shaped this region. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable outing, Rogers Island has something for everyone. Don’t forget to stop by their gift shop to grab a souvenir to remember your trip!
Want More Washington County, NY?
There’s tons of great things to do near Fort Edward, NY! Check out local events at Canal Street Marketplace (including a fantastic farmers market), birding at the Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Viewing Area, picnicking in the Yacht Basin or performances at the Little Theater on the Farm. You can also rent a bike from Evergreen Bicycle Works to explore the nearby Empire State Trail/Champlain Canalway Trail!
Want to dive further into our rich local history? Visit The Old Fort House Museum just down the road, or explore history along the canals! Naturally, you can also visit our History or 250th Anniversary pages to discover other ways to bring history to life.
If all this adventuring helped you work up an appetite, you’ll find many great local dining & beverage options! Pop by Slickfin Brewing Co. to enjoy a cold brew, or enjoy great food from the Anvil Inn Restaurant, Stumpy’s Pizzeria, Dalias on the Hudson or Mamma’s Cafe.
Need somewhere to stay? Explore our variety of local lodging options, from camping and glamping to farm stays, bed & breakfasts and Adirondack cabins.
