Fort Stanwix National Monument

112 E Park Street
Rome, NY 13440

Phone
Visitor Information
(315) 338-7730

Explore Fort Stanwix!

Discover how people endured harsh conditions along the Oneida Carrying Place. Learn how the American victory at this frontier fort directly contributed to the British defeat at Saratoga in 1777; setting the stage for westward expansion through New York. Follow in the paths of the people who made history in the Mohawk Valley during the American Revolutionary War.

A Historic Site for All Time

For thousands of years the ancient trail that connects the Mohawk River and Wood Creek served as a vital link for people traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Ontario. When Europeans arrived in North America, so began a period significant American history when nations fought for control of not only the Oneida Carrying Place, but the Mohawk Valley, homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America as well. In this struggle Fort Stanwix would play a vital role.

Getting Around

Visitors are encouraged to start their experience of Fort Stanwix National Monument at the Willett Center, across the street from the city parking facilities on James Street. For those touring the area by bicycle, a bicycle rack can be found at the entrance.

Once inside the visitor center, visitors receive an orientation from the ranger on duty. Then, walking the Great Oneida Carrying Place enter the fort. The Monument has 3 short trails that encircle the fort. One of the trails follows a portion of the Oneida Carrying Place. The other two trails interpret the events of the siege of 1777.

After hearing and seeing some of the background history and drama of the events that happened at Fort Stanwix, join a ranger led program and gain a greater understanding of the struggles the events that happened at Fort Stanwix. Check with the ranger on duty in the Willett Center for times and locations of all programs offered that day.

Visitors have an opportunity to discover their own bridges to the past in the museum area. Other activities in the fort include living history programs. These programs are real hands-on activities for visitors. All visitors are welcome to come to our special events and experience 18th century military life.

History

For thousands of years the ancient trail that connects the Mohawk River and Wood Creek served as a vital link for people traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Ontario. Travelers used this well-worn route through Oneida Indian territory to carry trade goods and news, as well as diseases, to others far away. 

When Europeans arrived they called this trail the Oneida Carrying Place and inaugurated a significant period in American history--a period when nations fought for control of not only the Oneida Carrying Place, but the Mohawk Valley, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America as well. In this struggle Fort Stanwix would play a vital role.

Directions:

From the West:
Take I-90 (NY Thruway) to Exit 33 (Verona-Rome). Turn Right onto Rt. 365 E. Follow Rt. 365 for approx. 10-15 min., veering left as Rt. 365 merges with Rt 69 at the fork in the road. This will take you over an arterial bridge into the City of Rome. Fort Stanwix NM will be across Erie Blvd. on the Right side of James Street. Parking will be in the along the Fort Stanwix side of the street or in the parking garage on the Left side of N James St.

From the East:
Take I-90 (NY Thruway) to Exit 32 (Westmoreland). Turn Right onto Rt. 233 N. Follow Rt. 233 6 mi., then make a left onto the Rt. 49N/Rt. 69W/Rt. 365W ramp. Continue on Rt. 49N for 0.1 mi. and bear right on ramp to Rt. 49N/Rt. 69W first 0.2 mi., then 1.2 mi. Turn Right onto Rt. 26 (N James St.). Fort Stanwix NM will be on your right. Parking is along the Fort Stanwix side of the street or city parking garage on the left side of the street.

From the North (Rt. 26):
Follow Rt. 26 into the City of Rome (the name will change into Turin Street.). When Turin St. intersects at a "Y" with N James St. turn Right onto N James and follow the road down three blocks. On the Left you will see Fort Stanwix NM. Parking is along the Fort Stanwix side of the street or in the city parking garage just off of N James.

From the North (Rt. 46.):
Follow Rt. 46 into the City of Rome (the name will change into Black River Blvd.). Continue down Black River Blvd. approx. 5 mins. Fort Stanwix NM will be on your Right across from the city fire station. Continue to the intersection of Black River with Erie Blvd. Turn Right at the next two lights till you are on N James St. There will now be parking to your Left a city parking garage or on the Right on the Fort Stanwix side of the street.

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