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How George Washington’s Bold Plan Led to the Capture of Stony Point in 1779

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4 months ago

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One of the most celebrated victories of the American Revolution took place along the Hudson River when Continental Army forces launched a daring nighttime assault on a British stronghold at Stony Point.

In 1779, the British had fortified Stony Point, a strategic position overlooking the Hudson River that many believed was nearly impossible to capture. Once General George Washington determined that the fortification was not the unassailable “Gibraltar” many thought it to be, he quickly began developing a plan to seize it.

On July 6, Washington personally surveyed the British defenses. Just days later, he devised a strategy for a surprise nighttime attack and selected Brigadier General Anthony Wayne to lead the Continental Army’s elite Light Infantry Corps.

To preserve the element of surprise, Wayne’s soldiers were ordered not to load their muskets. Instead, the assault would be carried out using only bayonets and other edged weapons as the troops advanced under the cover of darkness.

Late on July 15 and into the early hours of July 16, 1779, American forces stormed the heavily fortified position and captured the fort in less than an hour. The successful attack stunned British forces and demonstrated the discipline, courage, and effectiveness of the Continental Army.

Although American troops later abandoned Stony Point, the victory provided a significant morale boost for the Patriot cause during a difficult period of the Revolutionary War. Washington never intended to hold the fort permanently, recognizing that it would be difficult to defend against a British counterattack. Instead, the operation achieved its primary objective by proving that American forces could successfully strike a heavily fortified British position.

In many ways, the Battle of Stony Point was less about holding territory and more about demonstrating that the Continental Army could execute a complex and highly disciplined military operation against seasoned British troops. The victory earned Brigadier General Anthony Wayne a gold medal from the Continental Congress and became one of the most celebrated exploits of the Revolutionary War.

Today, the battlefield stands as a reminder of the determination and sacrifice that helped secure American independence and remains one of Rockland County’s most important Revolutionary War landmarks.

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

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2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

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2 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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