Fourth of July Celebrations: Eight Quintessentially American Independence Festivities

Located just outside New York City, the Historic Hudson Valley area is a cluster of six sites spanning various American historical periods. Among the sites, one famous name visitors will encounter is Washington Irving, who made his home at Sunnyside in Tarrytown. On the fourth, Sunnyside will host Independence Day 1851, giving visitors a glimpse into what the Fourth was like in Irving’s day. Join in with costumed guides, enjoy period music, dance country dances, and play a round of “town ball” – an antiquated form of Baseball. House tours, which last about 45 minutes, are also be available. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children.

A little further down the round and back in time in Croton-on-Hudson, Van Cortlandt Manor will be celebrating Independence Day 1801. The day kicks off with canon fire and a reading of the Declaration of Independence, with speeches and songs to follow. Visiting patriots can join up with military re-enactors for drill and muster practice and a hands-on introduction to life in a military camp. Affter the serious work is done, there will be 18th century dancing for all. House tours are run here as well and admission is also $12 for adults and $6 for children.