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The 250th Battle of White Plains 
October 24th - 25th, 2026
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Westchester County, N.Y.  

As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we are excited to invite you to participate in one of the most significant engagements of the 1776 New York Campaign—the Battle of White Plains. This is more than an event—it is an opportunity to bring to life a pivotal moment in the fight for independence. Following the fall of New York City, Washington’s army maneuvered north, engaging Crown forces in a strategic withdrawal that tested discipline, leadership, and resolve. At White Plains, we have the chance to interpret that story with the level of authenticity and professionalism that defines the Brigade of the American Revolution. Below you will find important information as we begin organizing the event.

 

Event Overview

Dates: October 23rd - October 25th, 2026

Location: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Reservation Rd, Pound Ridge, New York, 10576

Hosted by: Brigade of the American Revolution in partnership with Westchester County Tourism

 

Additional site maps and detailed schedules will be shared in the coming weeks.

Encampment 

The event site will be organized into two primary zones to support both the public festival environment and the immersive 18th-century experience:

  • Zone A – RevFest Vendor & Sponsor Area: This area will feature modern vendors and sponsors as part of RevFest and will be managed and run by Westchester County Tourism. This space is designed to support the broader public festival atmosphere and provide additional amenities for visitors.

  • Zone B – 18th Century Encampment: This will serve as the primary historical area of the event, run by the Brigade of the American Revolution. featuring the Continental Camp, British Camp, and a designated Sutlers’ Area. This zone will be fully immersive and represent the living history component of the weekend.

Participants are welcome and encouraged to set up their 18th-century encampment (tents, flys, etc) for use within Zone B. All modern camping will be located in a separate designated area outside of the historical encampment to preserve authenticity. Details forthcoming. 

Both the Continental and British camps will include designated areas for camp kitchens and fire pits, allowing units to prepare meals and conduct daily camp life in a historically appropriate manner. 

A CAD Schematic of the projected camps was designed by the Brigade and submitted to the county - Once approved, this will be shared to aid in understanding the layout. 

Reenactors may begin arriving on Thursday evening starting at 5:00 PM, with additional arrival windows and setup guidance to be shared as the event approaches.

  • Tent spacing and camp layouts will follow BAR standards

  • Straw, water access, and firewood details will be provided closer to the event

  • A full camp schematic is currently in development and will be shared in advance

Registration & Participation

 

Registration will open shortly. When it does Units are strongly encouraged to register together. Please provide as accurate of a headcount as possible as well as desired tentage. Registration will open on April 15th, 2026 and Close August 31st, 2026. All units, regardless of umbrella affiliation will need to register below when it opens.

Logistics & Support

Further details are forthcoming, but will include:

  • Reenactor parking and unloading procedures

  • Arrival windows and camp setup times

  • Sutlers and on-site amenities (if applicable)

  • Local hotels for those who choose off site accommodations

 

Public Interpretation & Civilian Participation

As part of our continued focus on telling all stories, we are actively expanding opportunities for civilian interpreters to play a central role in the event experience. We warmly welcome a wide range of civilian impressions, including—but not limited to—petty sutleries, artisans, tradespeople, and camp followers, all of whom help bring the full story of the 1776 campaign to life. We are currently working to establish a dedicated Artisan Row, which will highlight traditional 18th-century crafts and trades. In addition, we encourage participants to lead or take part in civilian-driven demonstrations throughout the weekend, such as:

  • Laundry and domestic life

  • Medical and surgical impressions

  • Textile work (spinning, sewing, etc.)

  • Market activity and sutler interactions

 

These living history elements are essential in helping the public understand that while armies maneuvered, daily life continued—and often under extraordinary circumstances. This event is expected to draw significant public attention as part of the 250th commemorations, and we encourage all participants to engage with visitors in an educational, immersive, and professional manner.

 

For more information or to express interest in participating in some of these Brigade led and organized activities, please contact:

Niel De Marino - Brigade of the American, CCM Coordinator, Board Member at Largenieldemarino@gmail.com

 

Battle Scenario (Preliminary Overview)

The Battle of White Plains will be interpreted as a two-phase engagement, reflecting the movement, pressure, and ultimate American withdrawal that defined the campaign. The action will begin with the Crown forces advancing from their encampment, pushing forward in a coordinated movement toward the American lines. The initial engagement will take place near the lower field, where Continental forces will meet the advance and attempt to hold their position. As pressure mounts, the Continental line will begin a fighting withdrawal, maintaining order while yielding ground. This phase is critical—it should reflect discipline under pressure, with controlled volleys, staggered movement, and unit cohesion as the line gradually gives way. The engagement will then transition into the second and final phase: the assault on Chatterton Hill.

 

Continental forces will reform on elevated ground, establishing a defensive position. Crown troops will advance and press the attack uphill, culminating in a coordinated final engagement. This position represents the decisive moment of the battle, where terrain, timing, and command structure will all play a role in the outcome.

 

The scenario is designed to emphasize:

  • Controlled movement and battlefield communication

  • Use of terrain and elevation

  • The discipline required in both advance and retreat

 

Further tactical details, including unit roles and specific maneuvering assignments, will be shared with officers and unit commanders in advance.

 

Points of Contact

For questions or to express early interest, please see the following contact information -

 

Head Event Coordinator

John Lopez, Commander, BAR

jalopez22@yahoo.com

 

Continental Camp, Coordinator

Henry Cooke Deputy Commander, BAR

hcooke4@verizon.net

 

British Camp Coordinator

James McGaughey, Commander, British Brigade

britmarinecapt@yahoo.com

 

The Battle of White Plains offers us a chance to set the standard for Revolutionary War interpretation as we approach the 250th anniversary. Your participation, professionalism, and dedication are what make these events meaningful—not only for ourselves, but for the public we serve. We look forward to standing in the field with you.  Thank you.

Civilian & Merchant Coordinator

Niel De Marino Board Member at Large, BAR nieldemarino@gmail.com

 

General  Questions/Registration

Dakota Griffin Adjutant, BAR

dakota.lee.griffin@gmail.com

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