Forever changing the course of american history

The Northern Department and the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

In June of 1775 the Continental Congress established a military department of the Continental Army charged with administering most of northern New York State and the surrounding regions. Eventually known as the Northern Department, this region initiated the first expansion of the Revolutionary War in 1775 and shouldered the assault of British forces in 1776 and 1777, culminating in the surrender at Saratoga, forever changing the course of American history. The Northern Department was critical to the American victory and recognized early as the site of remarkable human achievements combined with some of America’s most dramatic scenery. Today’s Northern Department seeks to link Revolutionary historic sites in New York, Vermont, and Québec that once formed the historic department during the 250th anniversary of these events, to introduce new generations to the remarkable legacy of one of North America’s most concentrated historic regions.