(Albany, NY) – New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and the 250^th Knox Regional Commemoration are hosting events marking the 250^th anniversary of Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery in December 2025 and January 2026.

In the winter of 1775, General George Washington tasked Knox, a 25-year-old book seller, with hauling 60 tons of captured British cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. Boats, horses and ox-drawn sleds moved the cannons approximately 300 miles over snow and ice through rivers, forests and swamps, in what became known as Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery. In just 56 days, Knox and his team covered a route that ran south from northern New York to Albany and then east across Massachusetts to the Boston area. The artillery bolstered the Revolutionary forces and led to a British evacuation, ending the Siege of Boston in March 1776.  

“New York State’s parks and historic sites offer 44 locations of historical relevance to the American Revolutionary War, preserving and showcasing the prominent role New York played in this world-changing event,” said OPRHP Acting Commissioner and NYS 250^th Commission Co-Chair Kathy Moser. “Hosting this commemoration of Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery is an early example of how OPRHP will commemorate and interpret the Revolution as the nation reflects of its founding 250 years ago. We welcome all to explore our relevant parks and historic sites during this memorable anniversary to engage in living history demonstrations, reenactments, lectures and much more.”

The 250^th Knox Regional Commemoration features replica sleds, draft horses, reenactors and a ceremonial linstock, a staff used to discharge cannons, being transported and displayed at significant locations along the original 1775-76 route. The series of events kicked off at Crown Point State Historic Site on December 5 with a wreath laying ceremony. 

“The commemoration of Knox’s Noble Train reminds us of the extraordinary resolve and ingenuity that helped shape our nation,” said New York State Education Commissioner and NYS 250th Commission Co-Chair Betty A. Rosa. “The replica sleds crafted by students at the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES, F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs honors the extraordinary feat of Knox’s Noble Train and reflects the engaging, hands-on learning experiences that deepen students’ understanding of our shared history. Their work is a testament to what is possible when we empower our students to explore, create, and lead."

“This commemoration of Knox’s Noble Train is the largest regional 250^th collaboration in New York State, stretching over seven counties and multiple historic sites,” said Saratoga County Historian and Knox250 organizer Lauren Roberts. “Knox’s story may not be as well-known as other Revolutionary heroes, but his accomplishment of moving the artillery so far against such odds is truly inspirational. Here in the Capital Region, it brought the American Revolution into our backyards.”

Representatives of OPRHP, NYSED, the NYS 250^th Commission and the 250^th Knox Regional Commemoration gathered at Peebles Island State Park on December 11, 2025 to highlight New York’s role in the 1775-76 artillery train. Peebles Island contains the remnants of earthen breastworks erected by American forces in the summer of 1777 to prevent the British advance during the Saratoga Campaign. Peebles is also home to OPRHP’s Division for Historic Preservation.  

A series of events, including linstock “handoffs” and reenactments, will mark the anniversary of the train’s movement through the Capital Region between December 12 and early January 2026, including the following programs.

• Friday, Dec. 12, 3pm. Knox Noble Train of Artillery arrives at Lake George Battlefield Park
• A re-enactor portraying Henry Knox will arrive at the head of Lake George on a replica bateau and be taken by a horse and cart to Fort George, where Knox stayed in 1775.

• Saturday, Dec. 13, 9am: Wreath Laying and Procession at Fort Edward Jr/Sr High School
• Roughly 1-mile procession will follow Route 4 to the Old Fort House Museum

• Saturday, Dec. 13, 1pm: Knox Fest at Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville
• The festivities begin at 1pm on the Dix Bridge at Hudson Crossing Park, where Saratoga 250 will receive the linstock from Washington County 250. The event continues with a procession along the Champlain Canal Tow Path to Fort Hardy Park, where visitors can enjoy living history demonstrations, draft animal rides, and artillery displays from 1-4pm. At 4pm, the public is invited to join a lantern walk through the park culminating on the banks of the Hudson River with a twilight artillery salute to the Noble Train.

• Sunday, Dec. 14, 9am. Artillery Procession and Wreath Laying
• The procession will step off from the Waterford Senior Center and arrive at Soldiers and Sailors Park for a wreath laying at Knox Trail Marker #18 before continuing to Peebles Island State Park.

• Sunday, Dec. 14, 10am. Arrival at Peebles Island State Park

• The procession will gather near the earthworks created during the 1777 Saratoga Campaign at Peebles Island before Saratoga 250 hands off the linstock to Albany 250 at the Van Schaick Mansion in Cohoes, followed by speakers and tours.

• Sunday, Dec. 14, 1-5pm. Living History and Dramatic Tours at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
• Immersive historical reenactment as the linstock and cannon arrive at Schuyler Mansion in Albany. Interact with reenactors and enjoy 18th century refreshments. This outdoor event is free and open to the public. Additionally, visitors can reserve a spot for “Knox’s Layover at Albany,” guided dramatic tours offered on the half hour, from 2pm to 4:30pm (last tour is at 4pm). Witness Knox’s stay at the mansion, his impact on the household, and Philip Schuyler’s role as host and facilitator of the artillery train. Space is limited for the dramatic tours, reservations required. To purchase your timed ticket, go to https://www.ticketleap.events/events/knox-layover-at-albany or call 518-434-0834.

• Saturday, Jan. 3, 3pm. Knox Arrives at Crailo State Historic Site and Twelfth Night
• Gather at Crailo’s riverfront park to watch the passing of the ceremonial linstock as it arrives in Rensselaer, followed by a reception and the firing of cannon by the Second Albany Militia. A replica sled will be on view as well as a small exhibit highlighting Knox’s journey. This outdoor event is free and open to the public. At 4pm, continue celebrating by attending Crailo’s annual Twelfth Night event. Join us for a holiday open house, Yuletide decoration, live music, hearthside cooking, 17^th century-inspired refreshments, singing around the fire (weather permitting) and other Dutch Albany traditions. Admission required for indoor events.

Representatives from New York and Massachusetts will gather at the Hillsdale, NY-Alford, MA line for a ceremonial handoff of the artillery train on January 10. For the full list of events commemorating Knox’s artillery train, visit knox250.com.

OPRHP will continue commemorating the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution across our parks and historic sites throughout 2026. Stay tuned for more events and information at parks.ny.gov.

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, and welcomes over 80 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.