Militia to lead hikes up Vroman's Nose

5/13/2009

The public is invited to join the Stone Fort Volunteer Militia on Saturday, May 16 as it leads historical hikes on the Schoharie County landmark known as Vroman’s Nose. 
Part of a free, daylong Revolutionary War encampment, each hike will feature discussions of the legends, myths and colorful stories involving the Nose.   
Special presentations at the summit will describe many of the thrilling Colonial and Revolutionary War events that occurred in the Schoharie Valley below.  
The first hike of the day will begin at 10:30am and the second will begin at 2pm.  Both hikes will form at the Vroman’s Nose trail parking lot off Mill Valley Road in Middleburgh.
“There are few places in the region, if any, that can match the spectacular view from atop Vroman’s Nose or the history below it,” said Jeff O’Connor, historian and volunteer militia commanding officer.
Highlights of the summit presentations will include Iroquois occupations, Palatine and Dutch settlement, forts, and many Revolutionary War events that occurred within view of the Nose. 
“From the Mohawk village at Wilder Hook at the turn of the 18th century to the last days of the American Revolution, the Schoharie Valley was often a scene of hardship, conflict and ultimately bloodshed,” Captain O’Connor said.  “Looking down on the valley, below the Nose, it is easy to imagine the fascinating stories about such people and events as the conflict between the Palatine settlers and Vroman family, the Schoharie Indians, Battle of the Flockey, Timothy Murphy and the many devastating raids of the American Revolution.”
The Volunteer Militia will be in Revolutionary War garb and encourages hikers to step back into the 18th century by participating in camp and drill activities between hikes. 
There will be militia members stationed at the parking lot who will offer discussion and information to those unable to partake in the hike up the moderate-to-steep trail. 
Hikers can expect the accompanying militia to engage in scouting and other activities that will help bring the revolutionary period to life.
The Stone Fort Volunteer Militia is an introductory living history program led by volunteers from the Schoharie County Historical Society and the Old Stone Fort Museum.  Family members of all ages can join at any time and parents are encouraged to participate with their children.  The program explores both military and civilian roles in the Revolutionary War history of Schoharie County, focusing on military drill and activities, clothing, agriculture, cooking and everyday colonial life.   
For further information visit www.SchoharieHistory.net.