Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik urged the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission to establish a Battlefield Heritage Trail in New York State as part of their efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.
“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus, I am proud to lead the charge in Congress to preserve our historic battlefields and ensure Americans across the country can experience and learn about these consequential hallowed grounds in our nation’s history for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “Upstate New York and the North Country are the cradle of the American Revolution and home to numerous significant battlefields and historic sites including the Battles of Saratoga, Fort Ticonderoga, the Battle of Valcour Island, Fort Ann, Battle of Bennington, Sackets Harbor, Rogers Island, Whitehall, and the Battle of Oriskany.”
In the letter, Stefanik states, “As the Commission begins to develop plans to celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial, I strongly urge you to establish a Battlefield Heritage Trail in New York. The creation of this Trail would give our families as well as tourists in our region the opportunity to honor and learn about the sites where Americans gave their last full measure of devotion.”
Stefanik continues, “I urge you to collaborate and engage with stakeholders on the local, state, and federal level as well as leverage public-private partnerships to create rich, educational programming and experiences as a part of the Trail. Tools including signage and interpretive kiosks throughout the Battlefield Heritage Trail will enhance learning and the overall experience for students, families, and visitors. An educational app focused solely on the New York Battlefield Heritage Trail would be beneficial to visitors in acting as a one-stop shop for information such as the inclusion of directions to each stop, a walking audio tour of the various sites, guides for every stop, and 360 virtual tours so that individuals can experience our sacred hallowed grounds from around the world as well.”
As Co-Chair of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus, Stefanik is a champion for preserving battlefields and historic sites in New York’s 21st Congressional District and beyond. Stefanik’s bill, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, would make improvements to the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), one of the most successful land preservation programs managed by the National Park Service. Stefanik’s bipartisan legislation passed the House in November 2023.
