Minisink Battlefield

A Brief History: The Minisink Battlefield Park is located at 58 County Road 168 Barryville, NY. It is dedicated to men who fought and died during the American Revolution battle of Minisink that took place on July 22, 1779. It is known as the only major battle that took place in the upper Delaware region. The British sent up Captain Joseph Brant who with some of his volunteers went to gather intelligence and disrupt the upcoming American Sullivan Campaign.

On July 21st Colonel John Hathorn's militia was sent up by George Washington to meet with Lieutenant Colonel Tusten's units near Sparrow Bush, New York. The next day on July 22nd they discovered that Brant and his militia were crossing the Delaware River and began to get ready to ambush the British, when one of the militia's scouts accidentally fired his gun, which alerted Brant they were near. Brant then outflanked the Americans on the hillside, which cut off one of the three units and leaving the other two confused. Most of the Americans retreated leaving Hathorn and his men surrounded and outnumbered. Hathorn Survived the Battle badly wounded and returned to Warwick to write of their defeat.

While no structures remain from the time, Minisink Battlefield Park has Nature trails, picnic areas, monuments and a visitors center.

Haunted History: Near Hospital Rock where legend has it that Brant buried his dead near and around the rock people claim to have feelings of uneasiness. There are also claims of ghosts of fallen soldiers seen roaming the park. Sounds of gunfire have also been heard here.