new acquisition THE CONSERVANCY EXPANDS THE ROYAL BLOCKHOUSE PRESERVE

The Conservancy Expands the Royal Blockhouse Preserve

The site was part of one of the largest British military complexes in North America.

In the Fall of 2001 the Conservancy acquired a fi ve-acre parcel of land overlooking the Hudson River in the Town of Moreau, New York that contains a portion of the Royal Blockhouse site. The Conservancy now has an opportunity to acquire the remainder of the site and expand the Royal Blockhouse preserve to over 17 acres.

Built in 1758, the Royal Blockhouse was manned with a garrison of British Colonial troops and was also used by Rogers’ Rangers. The site was a key part of one of the largest British military complexes in North America at the beginning of the French and Indian War. In addition to the Royal Blockhouse, this complex included Fort Edward, on the eastern side of the Hudson River, and Rogers Island, a 50-acre island in the river. The island is named after Major Robert Rogers, leader of Rogers’ Rangers, a group known for their commando tactics and fi erce fi ghting against the French and their Native American allies. The island is considered the birthplace of the U.S. Army Rangers.

Rogers’ Rangers maintained a base camp on the island, as the Royal Blockhouse provided control over the river from the high ground above. The strategically located complex comprised an important British stronghold and supply base that contained military fortifi cations, barracks, camps, hospitals, and a host of secondary enterprises related to supply and trade.

Historical maps and diagrams suggest that the Royal Blockhouse was a three and one-half story wooden structure with a full cellar. An assessment of the site conducted by Hartgen Archaeological Associates in 2002 verifi ed and documented various features associated with the Royal Blockhouse, including the cellar feature, an 18th-century

The 1765 plan of the Royal Blockhouse.

military road, several earthworks, and other intact cultural deposits. While the site has been impacted in the past by undocumented digging and professional excavations, it still has a tremendous amount of research potential. The site’s association with the historic events surrounding the French and Indian War and the military complex at Ft. Edward, as well as the distinctive design and landscape characteristics associated with the construction of the Royal Blockhouse, can provide important information to future researchers.

The Royal Blockhouse site is currently being considered for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Franklin D.Nastasi Trust is offering the Conservancy an 18-month option to purchase the remaining 12 acres of the site as a bargain sale to charity for $90,000. —Andy Stout Conservancy Plan of Action

SITE: The Royal Blockhouse CULTURE AND TIME PERIOD: French and Indian War, 1758 STATUS: The site is threatened by looters and development. ACQUISITION: The Conservancy needs to raise $90,000 to purchase the remaining 12 acres of the site. HOW YOU CAN HELP: Please send contributions to The Archaeological Conservancy, Attn.: The Royal Blockhouse Project, 5301 Central Ave. NE, Suite 902, Albuquerque, NM 81708-1517